Local girls weightlifters dominate state championships

Ten local athletes win individual titles across multiple weight classes

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Ten local girls weightlifters from the Jacksonville area brought home individual championships at the Florida High School Athletic Association state tournament in Lakeland. The champions came from schools across different classifications, including Flagler Palm Coast, Creekside, Bartram Trail, Menendez, Ridgeview, St. Augustine, Fleming Island, West Nassau, Suwannee, and Cedar Creek Christian.

Why it matters

The strong performance by local athletes showcases the depth of talent in the region's high school weightlifting programs and the dedication of these young competitors. Weightlifting is an increasingly popular sport for girls in Florida, providing opportunities for athletic achievement and personal growth.

The details

In Class 3A, Flagler Palm Coast's Nya Williams won both the traditional and Olympic disciplines at 119 pounds. Creekside's Taylor Bush (139) and Bartram Trail's Ava Myers (129) also won Olympic discipline titles. In 2A, Elle Bays of Menendez won the 169-pound class in both the traditional and Olympic categories, while Ridgeview's Jazmin Caraballo swept the traditional and Olympic disciplines at 183. St. Augustine's Avery Miller swept the unlimited weight category in Olympic and traditional, and Kathryn Ward of Fleming Island brought home a state crown at 139 pounds. In Class 1A, Payton Jefferson of West Nassau won the 110-pound class in the traditional discipline, Suwannee's Brianna Woods (129) also brought home a traditional title, and Cedar Creek Christian's Stephanie Griffith swept both disciplines at 199 pounds.

  • The Florida High School Athletic Association state tournament took place in Lakeland in February 2026.

The players

Nya Williams

A weightlifter from Flagler Palm Coast High School who won both the traditional and Olympic disciplines at 119 pounds.

Taylor Bush

A weightlifter from Creekside High School who won the Olympic discipline title at 139 pounds.

Ava Myers

A weightlifter from Bartram Trail High School who won the Olympic discipline title at 129 pounds.

Elle Bays

A weightlifter from Menendez High School who won the 169-pound class in both the traditional and Olympic categories.

Jazmin Caraballo

A weightlifter from Ridgeview High School who swept the traditional and Olympic disciplines at 183 pounds.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The strong performance by local high school weightlifters demonstrates the growth and competitiveness of the sport in the Jacksonville region. These young athletes have shown the dedication and skill to excel at the state level, inspiring others to pursue weightlifting and highlighting the opportunities available for female athletes in Florida.