Oviedo Seniors Aim for Strong Finish at FHSAA Girls Weightlifting State Meet

Oviedo's experienced team hopes to improve on last year's third-place finish in the Class 3A competition.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Oviedo's girls weightlifting team, led by six senior state qualifiers, is aiming for a top finish at this week's FHSAA Class 3A championship meet in Lakeland. The Lions placed third in the traditional competition last season and are looking to better that result, with coach Danny Evans calling this his strongest overall team. Pace, a five-time champion in the past three years, is the heavy favorite, but Oviedo is hoping for a runner-up finish.

Why it matters

Oviedo's girls weightlifting program has a strong tradition, but this year's squad is particularly experienced and talented. A high finish at the state meet would cap off the careers of the team's six seniors and solidify Oviedo's status as one of the top programs in the Orlando area.

The details

The Lions swept district and region titles with strong showings by Justice Sampson, Anna Ferrell, Marnee McCue and Olivia Chapman. Samantha Van Adelbert and Sofia Miller round out the state meet lineup. This is the fourth state meet for McCue, while Miller is a first-time qualifier after playing golf and lacrosse for Oviedo.

  • The FHSAA Class 3A girls weightlifting championship meet will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2026 in Lakeland.
  • Oviedo placed third in the traditional competition at last year's state meet.

The players

Danny Evans

The head coach of the Oviedo girls weightlifting team, who says this is his strongest overall team.

Pace

A Panhandle powerhouse that has won five of the six 3A titles in the past three years and is the heavy favorite to win again.

Justice Sampson

An Oviedo senior who is one of the team's top lifters.

Anna Ferrell

An Oviedo senior who is one of the team's top lifters.

Marnee McCue

An Oviedo senior making her fourth appearance at the state meet.

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What they’re saying

“We've had good individuals over the years, but as an overall team this is definitely the strongest team I've had.”

— Danny Evans, Oviedo Head Coach (Orlando Sentinel)

“A second-place finish for his Oviedo squad would be 'wonderful'.”

— Danny Evans, Oviedo Head Coach (Orlando Sentinel)

What’s next

The FHSAA Class 3A girls weightlifting state championship meet will be held on Wednesday, February 12, 2026 in Lakeland.

The takeaway

Oviedo's experienced and talented girls weightlifting team is poised to make a strong run at the state title, led by its six senior qualifiers. A top-two finish would cap off the careers of the Lions' veteran lifters and solidify the program's status as one of the best in the Orlando area.