Powerlifting is a new school sponsored sport at Elkhorn North that started last year. It includes Elkhorn, Elkhorn North, and Elkhorn South. Amongst all of the new lifters, sophomore Dakota Courtright stands out.
“She’s got a natural talent,” powerlifting coach Kyle Nadrchal said. “I think that Dakota has a lot of potential.”
Last year, Courtright prepared to compete in nationals with the World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF). Unfortunately, she was half a pound over the weight class, which made her unable to compete. Courtright did not falter, and when the WRPF only allowed her to participate as a guest, she decided to make the best of it.
She lifted 157 lb for bench, 330 lb for squat, and achieved a PR for deadlift with 363 lb. All of these would have beaten the current records, putting Courtright first nationally in many categories for her weight class.
Despite the complications she faced last year, Courtright trained and prepared to compete in Nationals again. She walked into 2025 Nationals ready to compete this time and took home gold, making her number one in the nation for powerlifting in her weight class.
“She worked super hard and deserves everything she got,” sophomore Keira Hecht said.
Courtright trains hard, spending at least 10-12 hours each week at the gym. Her hard work and persistence make her an amazing athlete, the best in the country.
“She is such a hardworking person,” sophomore Reese Gloystein said. “Dakota is passionate about what she truly cares about.”
