Powerlifting on campus has a growing female presence, due to women like Maria Sargent and Ariel Brinker, who are both key members of the university’s powerlifting team. 

Sargent, a senior biochemistry major and the team’s women’s chair, along with Brinker, a senior musical theater major and the team’s treasurer, each bring unique experiences as female powerlifters navigating a traditionally male-dominated sport.

Brinker has been powerlifting for seven years and got started through her father. She said powerlifting helped her as a dancer by building strength. 

Over time, the sport has become more balanced in terms of gender participation with increasing female participation at collegiate nationals.  

“When I started, it was very male-dominated, but now it’s close to an even split,” she said. 

Despite the increasing number of women in the sport, stereotypes and challenges still exist. Brinker and Sargent have both experienced unsolicited advice from male lifters, a common issue for women in powerlifting.

“I’ve gotten unsolicited advice before, but I shrug it off,” Brinker said. “I have a coach and I know what I’m doing.”

Sargent said it’s not just physical differences that make training unique for women. Her training often involves more repetitions with lighter weights. 

“We handle high-volume training better than men,” she said. 

Despite this, she has faced teasing from male teammates who don’t understand her training style.

Team dynamics at Kent have been supportive of women, as Brinker made history as the first woman on the team’s board.

“I created the women’s chair position that Maria holds now to ensure that women always have a voice on the board,” Brinker said. 

Both Sargent and Brinker encourage women interested in powerlifting to join. They emphasize the welcoming nature of the powerlifting community, particularly among women.

“There isn’t a single female powerlifter I’ve met who wouldn’t help another woman,” Brinker said.

As for the future of female participation in powerlifting, Sargent and Brinker say the outlook is promising.

“At our Blastoff event, we had more interest from women than men,” Sargent said. 

The team hopes to continue growing, with upcoming competitions like the Collegiate Cup in Pittsburgh providing further opportunities for women to get involved.

Jamie McGrady is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].