This year, The Alaska Club’s Yoe Isbell had the incredible opportunity to compete at the USA Powerlifting National Championships in June in Chicago, Illinois. It was an unforgettable experience and an important milestone in her journey as an athlete. Traveling to Nationals was not just about stepping onto the competition platform. It was about learning, growing, and gaining valuable experience that will help prepare her for future competitions.
Competing on the National Stage
Yoe competed in three events: the back squat, bench press, and deadlift. As a first-time national competitor, there were naturally a few rookie mistakes along the way. Competing on a national stage brings a completely different level of intensity, from the cameras, flashing lights, loud music, and judges calling commands to the excitement and pressure of performing on one of the biggest stages in the sport.
Despite those early lessons, Yoe stayed focused, adjusted, and finished strong. Her deadlift performance was outstanding, as always, helping her secure an impressive 7th-place finish among some of the nation’s top athletes.
Lessons to Carry Forward
This trip was about much more than the final standings. Every lift, every decision, and every challenge gave Yoe valuable experience that she can carry into next season. She came home with a clearer understanding of what it takes to compete at the national level, and she is already excited to put those lessons into practice as she prepares for next year.
And the best part? Yoe is not finished yet. She is already talking about returning to Nationals next year, determined to build on this experience and come back even stronger. Her dedication, resilience, and willingness to learn are exactly what make great athletes.
Thank You to Our Supporters
A special thank-you goes out to our sponsors and The Alaska Club for believing in Yoe and helping make this journey possible. Your support played an important role in helping her achieve this milestone, and we are truly grateful for your encouragement and investment in her success.
We are incredibly proud of everything Yoe accomplished at Nationals. Congratulations on an amazing first national competition! We cannot wait to see what next year brings.