- April 4, 2025
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Drew Woodall holds FPC' s bench 129-pound division bench press record with 130 pounds. Photos by Bob Rollins
Woodall trails the 129-pound school record (135 pounds) by only five pounds.
Woodall says weightlifting has given her a confidence she lacked. Courtesy photo
Before she ever lifted a dumbbell, Flagler Palm Coast senior Drew Woodall was what some refer to as “country strong.”
Growing up in Clayton, Georgia, Woodall involved herself in "boy" activities: She played in the mud, played sports and got strong in the process.
In physical education class at FPC, her instructor, Norris Lightsey, was so impressed that Woodall could complete more pushups than most of the boys that he immediately introduced her to every sports coach in the school.
She would eventually play flag football for a short time, but, once she was introduced to weightlifting, Woodall knew she had found her niche.
“Most girls struggle with the 45-pound bar their first day of practice,” she said, “but I already had good technique.”
Woodall has gone on to win many competitions, including conference and district championships.
“Women are told over and over again that they’d look manly and buff. Yes, they will look different, but they will feel beautiful and look amazing.”
DREW WOODALL
When it comes to weightlifting, Woodall has only experienced the opposite of the sport’s stigma against women. Weightlifting, she says, has changed her image — but only for the better.
“Most women won’t do body building,” she said. “Women are told over and over again that they’d look manly and buff. Yes, they will look different, but they will feel beautiful and look amazing. It transforms our bodies.”
In order to fuel her training, Woodall consumes healthy doses of grilled chicken, protein shakes and a lot of vegetables — broccoli being her favorite.
Woodall has been pleased with her results from the sports, and she believes other women would as well, if they would give it a try.
“If they’re the least interested in making their body look better or wanting to be healthier, it’s an amazing alternative,” she said. “From a woman’s perspective, I’m capable of more things. Plus, when you’re able to tell people that it’s the sport you do, it’s an incredible feeling. People are usually shocked when I tell them what I do. You can also do more than what an average woman can do, and that makes me feel strong.”
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