The saying “records are meant to be broken” is very popular and well known to others. Well, when Alyssa (Issa) Ayers heard it, she took it seriously. The junior powerlifter placed third in the State Powerlifting Meet as a sophomore in 2019, has broken many records and plans on breaking more this year.

“What motivates me the most is my third place state medal from last year,” Ayers said. “Although it is a great accomplishment, in my eyes it is something I need to beat. I am not satisfied with third because I know I can push myself to be better.”

In the 123 pound weight class, Ayers has broken the school records in bench press, squat and has tied the record in deadlift.

“I train for this sport but it is more mental than anything,” Ayers said. “I compete against myself and that is what gives me the motivation to lift heavier.”

Ayers is now chasing after the regional bench record, regional total record and also the state bench record.

“I would be proud of myself currently, but not satisfied because there are still records to break,” Ayers said. “Mr. Young has always motivated me to do better and to do more than what I think my limits are.”

Girl’s powerlifting coach and assistant principal Duane Young said he is there to help Ayers train, but she is highly self-motivated. 

“I am very proud of her,” Young said. “She does not need any extra motivation from me. Intrinsically motivated people are the easiest to work with. You never have to worry if she is training properly and if she will be prepared for the next meet.”

Ayers is a member of the USA Powerlifting (USAPL) and competed in the Texas Open on Dec. 15. in San Antonio. At the meet she qualified for the USAPL High School Nationals on March 26 in Killeen.

“She is also planning on lifting in more USAPL meets,” Young said. “Hopefully she will continue in college. I plan to assist her in making that happen.”

Young said Ayers years of experience are only helping her improve even more.

“There is less time spent on technique which allows her to concentrate on getting stronger through lifting heavier weights and experimenting with different training options,” Young said. “I enjoy seeing lifters accomplish something they never thought they could do, especially when they are apprehensive about the weight I put on the bar and then they successfully lift it. Whether they compete one year or 4, they are building memories that they can share later in life.”

Young believes Ayers is able to break a state record in her weight class.

“She currently holds the regional records for the bench press, deadlift and total in the 114 class,” he said. “She has a very good chance of breaking the regional bench press record and total this year in the 123 class. Her best chance at this time for a state record would be in the bench press. I expect that next year she will set her goals for more records.”