Warrior power lifter trains for success

A sophomore health sciences major at Eastern Connecticut State University balances her studies with barbells. Sherrie Simoneau is an up-and-coming powerlifter who went from soccer to invitation-only weightlifting competitions since beginning her new hobby four years ago.

“I started going to the gym with my high school teammates to get stronger for soccer, then the strength trainer encouraged me to try powerlifting,” said Simoneau. "I ranked 50th on a national scale in 2024 in my weight class on a ranking website called Open Powerlifting, which is what got me invited to the World Powerlifting Organization pro meet.” 

Simoneau’s upcoming meet is being hosted at York Barbell, a powerlifting museum in Pennsylvania. She explained that her division of the sport, called "multi-ply powerlifting," involves supportive gear that enables lifters to safely lift significantly heavier loads. 

“My best squat is 550 lbs., my best bench is 335 lbs., and my best deadlift is 463 lbs.,” said Simoneau. “Multi-ply powerlifting requires me to wear gear like a (special) suit and shirt. I’m then able to lift weights that I wouldn’t be able to by simply raw lifting, which is just lifting without equipment.” 

Simoneau described the sport as very supportive. She is in a tight-knit group of lifters at her gym, Windham County Strength, and has cultivated a motivational atmosphere within her sport. 

“The gym I go to is like a second family. We train together four days a week,” said Simoneau. “I don’t know if I’d even be doing powerlifting if it weren’t for the gym and the people around me. We keep each other motivated.” 

Simoneau explained that powerlifting requires a lot of lifestyle adjustments, but recommends anyone to try the sport, if only to feel stronger. 

“I think everybody should try powerlifting. It’s a big commitment, but it’s a very supportive sport,” said Simoneau. “It’s not just working out — you have to be careful what you eat, get enough sleep, and maintain your weight class.”