For the second straight year – and only the third time in school history – La Porte High School was represented at the Texas High School Women's Powerlifting Association State Championships. 

Freshman Hannah Stafford and sophomore Smanatha Gilder finished eighth and fifteenth at the March 15 THSWPA State Championships, respectively. Stafford’s finish is the best ever for a La Porte High School powerlifter; they are also the first duo in school history to advance to State.  

They set a combined six personal records in the process. 

“I couldn’t be prouder of these two young women,” Head Girls Powerlifting Coach Beck Neal said. “Not only have they put in the hard work and dedication needed to get to this point, but they’ve also made history for our program by advancing to state. This is a huge achievement, and it speaks volumes about their commitment, strength, and the incredible potential they have.” 

In 2024, Ruquayya Soudine became only the second La Porte High School powerlifter to advance to State and the first ever Regional Champion. She was named to this year’s Texas High School Women's Powerlifting Association's Academic All-State 2nd Team to cap her career. D'Lisa Promise was the first female lifter to qualify for the THSWPA State Championships in 2018. 

“Our girls' powerlifting program is growing stronger every day, with more athletes pushing their limits and breaking records,” Neal said. “We're becoming a state powerhouse, and the future looks bright.”