Gull Lake softball鈥檚 Addison Hribar succeeds in new endeavor of powerlifting
RICHLAND, Mich. —聽Addison Hribar (15) is determined to succeed in her newest athletic endeavor鈥� powerlifting. Powerlifting is a physical and mental challenge that pushes powerlifters to realize that they are physically capable of far more than their minds permit them to believe.
Addison is a sophomore at Gull Lake High School and has been powerlifting on the Gull Lake Powerlifting Team for one year. Her goal is to break a state record for powerlifting and become a state champion. She聽loves how mentally challenging powerlifting is and the feeling after completing a lift. 鈥淢ost of the struggle is in your head,聽Addison shared, “At the state competition I was nervous about not being able to complete my opening lift, but that was because I was all in my head. Not only did I complete that lift but I completed a lift with 25 more pounds on it. After completing a difficult lift there鈥檚 a feeling of accomplishment. It鈥檚 such an awesome surge of emotion that hooks you.鈥�
During the powerlifting season, Addison said the best piece of advice she was given was to just worry about herself. 鈥淭here are so many strong girls who can lift heavy,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t can become stressful when I compare myself to these girls when I should be focusing on what I can accomplish as an individual. It鈥檚 reassuring to realize that I鈥檓 not there to win but to beat myself and become stronger for the next competition.鈥� She learned a lot during the year, and was sure to find a trainer that could help her become stronger and also help improve her mobility and prevent injury.聽 Her trainer worked with her on squatting, as she realized that she was going too low which then makes lifting more difficult and prevented her from lifting a heavier weight. In order to correct this she started squatting in front of a mirror in order to see herself and develop muscle聽 memory for the correct squatting depth.
Addison qualified to go to Regionals where she came in 1st place and qualified for state ! She finished 5th in the State meet with the following stats:聽Squat 240, Bench 115, Deadlift 270 !!
Addison has learned a lot about powerlifting in the past year. She has learned that when she squats too low it makes lifting more difficult and prevents her from lifting a heavier weight. In order to correct this she started squatting in front of a mirror in order to see herself and develop muscle memory for the correct squatting depth.
Addison highly values being a member of the powerlifting team and has learned to celebrate every victory. 鈥淣o matter how good you are as a team there will be losses.聽 The possibility of feeling defeated about something that was done wrong is lessened by focusing on what has been done well.鈥澛� She has聽had a blast being on the Gull Lake Powerlifting Team and has met some amazing girls from other schools at competitions along the way. Addison encourages anyone who is even remotely intrigued by the idea of powerlifting to join the Gull Lake Powerlifting Team. 鈥淭he team is currently small so anyone who wants to join will be greatly appreciated,鈥� Addison said. 鈥淚t may seem scary or intimidating but I promise it鈥檚 worth it. All of the people who participate in the after-school lifting sessions are super supportive and helpful.鈥�
Addison also participates in Gull Lake softball and Gull Lake bowling.
During last year鈥檚 softball season she injured her back. It has been challenging for Addison to recover from her back injury while also training for her other sports. She manages her back injury by stretching a lot, not training as hard if she is sore, and resting or doing other activities if she is in pain.
Addison also enjoys reading, drawing, and teaching herself new things. 鈥淚鈥檓 a very creative person and I enjoy acquiring new abilities such as teaching myself how to embroider or play the guitar,鈥� she said.
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