GREENVILLE, Texas — Greenville High School junior Mattie Simpson earned a trip to the state powerlifting meet after a standout performance at the regional level, while sophomore Alexis Waddell also advanced and competed among the state’s top athletes.
Simpson qualified for state after placing second in the 123-pound weight class at the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association Region 3 meet held February 28 at Royse City High School. She recorded a combined total of 610 pounds, including a 200-pound squat, 95-pound bench press, and a 315-pound deadlift.
Her deadlift not only secured her spot at state but also broke the regional record and earned her Best Deadlift on the light platform. The lift marked a significant improvement from her previous personal best of 285 pounds, while her squat also set a new personal record.
“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.”
Simpson said encouragement from her coaches helped her regroup heading into her final lift.
“Coach told me it wasn’t over and that we had to put up a fight,” she said. “So I took all that nervousness and put it behind me and just pushed.”
She described completing the 315-pound deadlift as a defining moment.
“That was like the best feeling I’ve ever had,” Simpson said.
Simpson said the moment was even more meaningful with family in attendance.
“My dad was there,” she said. “When I saw his reaction, it made me even happier.”
In her first year competing in powerlifting, Simpson has balanced the sport with early college coursework, cheerleading, and a part-time job.
“I feel like I’ve put in my all,” she said. “I come to practice every day, even with everything else going on.”
She said she initially joined the sport to build strength for cheerleading but quickly developed a passion for it.
“I went into it thinking I was just doing it for cheer,” Simpson said. “But I actually fell in love with powerlifting.”
At the state meet in Edinburg, Simpson placed 12th in the 123-pound weight class in the unequipped division, which emphasizes raw strength without supportive lifting gear.
Waddell, also in her first year competing, qualified for state after winning first place at the regional meet in the 105-pound weight class. She went on to place sixth at the 5A Division II State Championship Finals.
“These ladies set the bar high,” said Greenville ISD Assistant Athletic Director Jenna Sickles. “Now other students have something to work toward and goals they can chase.”
School officials said the success of Simpson and Waddell highlights the continued growth of Greenville’s powerlifting program.
Congratulations to both ladies for representing Greenville at the State Championship!
