By Tiffany Merlo Phelps
mail@floridanewsline.com
Ponte Vedra High School senior Emily Libhart struggled to find a sport that she truly enjoyed until she tried weightlifting this year.
“Weightlifting keeps my mind clear amidst my busy week. The sport keeps you strong mentally and physically and for me it has been an outlet. Also, Coach Rush has worked hard to make the team inclusive,” said Libhart.
Coach Mackensie Rush is the first female head coach of the girls’ weightlifting team at Ponte Vedra High School and is one of only two female coaches in the district for girls’ weightlifting. She spent her first year at the school building the roster from seven girls to 29 and is hoping for more next year.
Rush, also a special education teacher, said weightlifting presents a unique dynamic because athletes not only cheer for their teammates, but also for others on opposing teams during meets.
“This is not something you typically see,” said Rush, who has been coaching for eight years in multiple sports. “Weightlifting is more about individual performance and doing your personal best. Everyone encourages everyone else.”
All athletes must be able to lift a 45-pound bar to qualify for the team, and Rush encourages beginners to join the team.
She uses her own experience with CrossFit, weightlifting, running and being a tri-athlete in high school (soccer, basketball and track) to train the girls during the October through January season, combining cardio, conditioning and strength training.
“We have seen huge improvements by training this way,” said Rush.
Team members agreed.
“With Coach Rush’s guidance, I have really been able to lift 20 pounds more than I could last season,” said Madison O’Reilly, a 10th grader in her second year on the team.
Morgan Pratt, a 10th grader in her first year on the weightlifting team, shared similar thoughts.
“Coach Rush is a great coach who is always supporting and pushing me every time I walk into the weight room,” said Pratt. “Being on the girls’ weightlifting team is such a great opportunity because I’m surrounded by all these young, intelligent, strong and supportive women who are ready to work hard and have the same interests as me.”
Rush said she sees her role as one of support and encouragement. And, as a female, she feels that team members relate to her as someone with the same mindset and physique, helping her build the team’s confidence and camaraderie.
“It is nice to have this role and to be a mentor to the team,” said Rush, who moved to Ponte Vedra Beach from central New Jersey. “All the athletes at PV High are so self-motivated. I didn’t have to set any rules or restrictions as they exceeded everything that I wanted. I am coaching the best team around.”
Rush, who is in her ninth year of teaching, is especially proud to have freshman Skyler Sharp on the team as the first ever varsity special needs athlete at the school. As Skyler’s special education teacher, Rush encouraged her to join the team.
“She brings a next level enthusiasm to the team. She is always happy,” said Rush.
Sharp’s mother, Kayla Sharp, said she and Skyler’s father, Joshua, had their reservations about Skyler participating in the sport at first, but those quickly disappeared as Skyler gained strength and confidence through Rush’s guidance.
“We have always pushed her to try new things and to put herself out there,” said Kayla, sharing that her daughter has Down Syndrome. “She loves it so much. She loves the team aspect of weightlifting and also the personal challenge.”
Angelina Rappa, a junior, joined the team this year to physically challenge herself and “to be a part of a like-minded team.” In addition to all the physical benefits and motivation from Coach Rush, Rappa said she has learned many life lessons too.
“Weightlifting has proven to me that hard work pays off, and that you should do your greatest to reach your goals, no matter what the status quo is,” Rappa said. “It has inspired me to take better care of myself and has made me a better person.”
Photo courtesy Mackensie Rush
PVHS weightlifting team.
