In Fall 2025, Northwestern State University witnessed the birth of a new student organization rooted in discipline, resilience and community: the NSU Powerlifting Team. Founded by Breanne Jones, a freshman radiological sciences major, the club emerged from a desire to create a structured, supportive environment for students interested in strength training and competitive lifting. Although still in its first year, the organization has quickly developed a strong identity defined by teamwork, personal growth and a shared commitment to excellence.
Jones, who has been involved in powerlifting for seven years, recognized a gap on campus for students who wanted both the competitive and communal aspects of the sport. Her experience in middle school and high school powerlifting programs shaped her understanding of how transformative the sport can be.
“I was drawn to powerlifting because it balanced the team aspect but also individuality within the sport that allows for physical and mental toughness,” Jones said. Her decision to establish the club at NSU reflects her belief that students benefit from environments where they can challenge themselves while also receiving structured support.
The team’s rapid development is largely attributed to the culture Jones has cultivated. Her role, though, extends beyond personal performance. As president, she emphasizes the core values of membership, technique and emotional resilience.
“My goal is to help others get stronger mentally and physically through encouragement and guidance,” Jones said. This leadership approach has shaped the club into a space where lifters of all experience levels feel welcomed and appreciated.
Tavay’e Ferrell, a freshman health and human performance major, emphasized the emotional and psychological benefits of joining the team. Having begun powerlifting in high school before the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted her training, Ferrell found that returning to the sport at NSU provided a constructive outlet for stress. “Lifting allows me to turn the anger I had built up into something positive,” Ferrell said.
The support Ferrell receives from teammates has helped her to stay motivated. Ferrell recalled a moment early in the semester when the team worked together to move equipment into the gym. “The laughter and carefreeness of it all during that task made me realize that this team was going to be special,” she said.
The club’s emphasis on community is echoed by its members. Keith Wade, a freshman physical therapy major, described the team as a consistent source of support. “My teammates were always there for me,” Wade said.
For Wade, joining the team revealed the importance of surrounding himself with individuals who share similar goals and work ethics, and he explained that the environment pushed him to exceed his own expectations. “My teammates empowered me to lift weights I was unsure about,” Wade said. His experience reflects the broader culture of the organization, one built on encouragement, accountability and shared ambition.
Although the club is new, its members are already developing a competitive mindset. “Mark my words, we are all going to nationals,” Wade said. His optimism reflects the collective ambition shared by the group, many of whom are first-year students with multiple seasons of possibility ahead of them.
The team’s long-term potential is strengthened by Jones’ experience, including her pursuit of a regional deadlift record and her history of earning Best Lifter awards and a powerlifting scholarship. Her background provides the team with a knowledgeable foundation as they prepare for future competitions.
Beyond competition, the NSU Powerlifting Team serves as a model for how student-led organizations can shape campus culture. The club promotes physical wellness, mental resilience and peer support, values that align with broader university goals of fostering student engagement and personal development. The team’s collaborative environment encourages members to set goals, confront challenges and celebrate progress, both individually and collectively.
