Greenville High School junior Mattie Simpson is headed to the state powerlifting meet after earning second place at the THSWPA Region 3 meet in the 123-pound weight class.
Simpson secured her spot at the state competition during the regional meet held Saturday, February 28 at Royse City High School. She finished second overall with a combined total of 610 pounds and also earned Best Deadlift on the light platform after lifting an impressive 315 pounds.
Simpson competes in three events: squat, bench press, and deadlift. At the regional meet, she recorded a 200-pound squat, a 95-pound bench press, and a 315-pound deadlift. Her deadlift not only helped secure her place at state but also broke the regional record.
The lift was a major improvement from her previous personal best of 285 pounds. Simpson also set a new personal record in the squat, increasing her previous mark from 160 pounds to 200 pounds.
Despite the strong performance, Simpson said the day of competition was filled with nerves as the standings shifted throughout the meet.
“In all honesty, I didn’t feel like I was going to stay,” Simpson said. “I was in fourth place and tied with someone, and I thought she was going to win. When I missed my 110-pound bench, I felt like it was over.”
Encouragement from her coaches helped her refocus heading into the final event.
“Coach told me it wasn’t over and that we had to put up a fight,” Simpson said. “So I took all that nervousness and put it behind me and just pushed.”
Her determination paid off when she stepped up for her final deadlift attempt. After completing the 315-pound lift, Simpson celebrated as judges reviewed the attempt before ultimately awarding the successful lift.
“That was like the best feeling I’ve ever had,” she said.
The moment was made even more special with family watching from the stands.
“My dad was there,” Simpson said. “When I saw his reaction, it made me even happier. I’m a daddy’s girl, so however he’s feeling kind of reflects on me too.”
Simpson’s path to the state meet is especially impressive considering this is her first year competing in powerlifting. In addition to training, she balances a full schedule that includes early college coursework, cheerleading, and a part-time job.
“I feel like I’ve put in my all,” Simpson said. “I come to practice every day, even with everything else going on.”
Originally, Simpson joined powerlifting simply as a way to build strength for cheerleading. Along the way, she discovered a passion for the sport.
“I went into it thinking I was just doing it for cheer,” she said. “But I actually fell in love with powerlifting. It’s my favorite sport right now.”
Simpson will compete at the THSWPA State Powerlifting Meet in Edinburg, Texas. She will weigh in on March 18 and compete on March 19.
As she prepares for the state stage, Simpson’s focus is simple.
“I want to win state really bad,” she said. “That’s my mindset right now. I’m going in with a positive mindset and believing I can do it.”
Simpson will be joined at the state meet by Greenville High School sophomore Alexis Waddell, giving the Lady Lions two state qualifiers this season.
According to Greenville ISD Assistant Athletic Director Jenna Sickles, the accomplishment is an exciting milestone for the program.
“These ladies set the bar high,” Sickles said. “Now other students have something to work toward and goals they can chase.”
With two athletes advancing to the biggest stage in Texas high school powerlifting, the future of the Greenville High School program continues to gain momentum.