If it were not for the COVID-19 pandemic abruptly ending her junior year, Midland High powerlifter Natali Sanchez would have been reflecting on her first time competing at the state meet right now.
Next year – her senior year – will be her one and only shot to shine at the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association State Meet. Sanchez earned her first-ever state berth by clinching the 2020 THSWPA Region 1, Division I title in the 181-pound weight class a week or so before the coronavirus changed everything.
“It was really disappointing because it was my first year making it to state,” Sanchez told the Midland Reporter-Telegram. “I was really excited. For a while, we were trying to hold out hope to see if it was just going to be postponed and then I was really, really disappointed whenever it got canceled.”
Sanchez was the lone returner from a quartet that included three other 2019 state qualifiers as well.
Midland head powerlifting coach Mike Bettenhausen praised the senior-to-be for her work ethic, recalling how her confidence grew, much to his amazement.
“When she started out, it was almost like pulling teeth trying to get her to add some weight,” Bettenhausen told the Midland Reporter-Telegram. She had some success and she saw what she was capable of doing and she was able to lift more weight than she ever done. The biggest thing I noticed was her confidence level growing throughout the year.”
Sanchez said she drew inspiration from two other athletic programs she participates in – cross-country and track. Both have taught her how to stay focused.
She said she loves powerlifting because it makes her feel and look strong.
June 8 will be the first time since a few months ago that Sanchez will get to use the athletic facilities at school. From there, she will pick up from where she left off.