May 30, 2024
Leesburg High Senior Inspires as She Pushes Boundaries and Redefines Strength
By Kyle Coppola
Leesburg High Senior Inspires as She Pushes Boundaries and Redefines Strength
Kaitlynn Brady
Leesburg High School’s (LHS) Kaitlynn Brady is not your average weightlifter.
In fact, the 87-lb. senior is the lightest prep lifter in the state of Florida. But don’t let her size fool you; Kaitlynn is an individual three-time state champion with dreams of competing for Team USA in the Olympics.
“I’ve always been doubted because of my size and gender,” Kaitlynn says. “But that just fuels my fire to show younger girls what’s possible.”
Kaitlynn’s journey to the top began during her freshman year when Coach Josh Boyer zeroed in on her potential.
“He always told me, ‘One day you’ll be a state champion,’ and he pushed me to be the best I could be,” Kaitlynn recalls.
Kaitlynn’s proudest moments came with back-to-back state championship wins — first in Olympic and Traditional lifting last year, followed by a first-place finish in Olympic and third in Traditional this year.
Kaitlynn and her teammates also reached a historic milestone this year as the first Leesburg High girls’ team to win a state championship.
“Winning individually is one thing but winning as a team and making history — it’s an incredible feeling,” she says, beaming.
Relationships are very important to Kaitlynn. Her favorite aspect of weightlifting is the camaraderie and lifelong friendships she’s forged with her teammates. And what Kaitlynn cherishes most about Leesburg High is the sense of family.
“Making a name for myself was great, but the bonds I’ve formed are priceless,” she says. “…We’re more than a team; we’re a family.”
Kaitlynn is quick to give credit to Coach Boyer’s exceptional program. She also gives credit to her mother and brother for all their support.
Kaitlynn plans to continue her lifting journey with USA Weightlifting, with her sights set on making the US Olympic team.
“That’s my hope and dream,” she says.
The dream seems attainable for the 87-lb. girl who put up 250 lbs. in both Traditional and Olympic lifting at the State Championships this year. If you do the math, that’s almost three times her body weight.
Surprised? Remember, that’s what fuels Kaitlynn’s fire.
To young women facing challenges or doubts, Kaitlynn’s message is clear.
“Don’t give up. You’re strong and capable of anything you set your mind to.”
Kyle Coppola was born in Newton, Massachusetts and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications from Curry College in 2016. After traveling to Florida on a family vacation, he decided he could not get enough of the warm weather and made the move from snowy Massachusetts to central Florida 8 years ago.
For the last decade Kyle has gained valuable experience in social media content creation, marketing and sales, writing, video production, sports announcing and even broadcasting for local radio stations, such as FM 102.9 in The Villages and FM 91.5 in Massachusetts. Every year he volunteers at The Villages Charter High School as a play-by-play sports announcer for the football games as well as a public address announcer for the basketball games, including the annual Battle at The Villages Tournament.
Outside the office Kyle is a husband and father to two beautiful girls along with their cat. In his spare time he likes to spend time with his family, travel, play golf and swim. He is also a huge sports junkie and even bigger motorsports fan and loves to attend racing events when he can.
