What began as individual pursuits of strength and discipline turned into a friendship defined by grit, growth, and encouragement for junior Bryn Famiglio and senior Ava Michalopoulos, members of the Riverview girls weightlifting team.
Though they joined the sport at different times, weightlifting has brought them closer, transforming their journey into more than just chasing their personal bests.
Famiglio started working out in eighth grade, and by her freshman year, she was committed to improving her technique. Now in her second year on the team, she is excited for many years to come.
“In eighth grade, ‘working out’ seemed to be the new craze, so my friend and I got a membership at EOS fitness, and we went every day after school. But once after I started, it became an obsession, and I fell in love with the gym,” Famiglio said.
Michalopoulos, newer to the sport, found weightlifting in her junior year and quickly fell in love with the supportive, high-energy environment. She credits much of her development to the team, especially to Bryn.
“My favorite thing about weightlifting is practicing my handstands and pull-ups before warm-up, although I am better at push-ups. Bryn has been teaching me how to do a handstand, and I have only fallen on my face a dozen times or so. I also love all the support my teammates give, especially on max-out days. It is so exciting to hear all the screaming and excitement,” Michalopoulos said.
That supportive energy is what makes the weight room such a welcoming space for both of them and most of the time at competitions.
“During a competition, my biggest source of motivation is my team. Also, the girls on other teams are also very uplifting of each other, so it just becomes a very stress-free environment overall. Everyone cheers each other on–no matter the team,” Famiglio said.
Both lifters have had success at local and national levels. Michalopoulos qualified for USAW states after competing at the Tampa Bay Open, while Famiglio qualified for Nationals, USA States, and the Arnold Sports Festival.
“For my high school season, I placed first in Olympic and Traditional in my weight class during our first competition for Senior Night,” Michalopoulos said. “I also placed fifth in Olympic and eighth in Traditional at the Auburndale Invitational in November.”
However, beyond the expectations and their personal records, what stays with them is the sense of belonging and encouragement from teammates.
“Something memorable at every meet is how girls that I do not know will cheer me on and scream my name. It is such a great feeling knowing people are rooting for me, as well as rooting for others they may not know,” Famiglio said.
Both athletes credit their coaches, Cherisse Taylor and David Catalfino, for fostering an environment where hard work, resilience, and team spirit thrive.
“My coach has always told me to trust the process and believe in my training, and that has still been true. One week, I failed 35 pounds underneath my max snatch, and that same week reached my goals at my meet,” Michalopoulos said.
Famiglio has also learned valuable lessons about confidence and personal growth.
“I was always comparing myself to other girls and thinking that I was ‘weaker’ even though I had just started. So, I recommend always remembering that comparison is the thief of joy. It is always you versus you,” Famiglio said.
In a sport built on individual strength, Famiglio and Michalopoulos have found something greater: a partnership built on shared passion, perseverance, and pride.