- April 4, 2025
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The Lady Pirates became the only Matanzas sports team to win back-to-back region championships. Photo by Alexia Moy
Assistant coach Vincent Oliveri and supporting lifters celebrated freshman Mary Leonard' s new school record. Photo by Jeff Dawsey
Chiara Longo has won both district and region titles as a first-time lifter. Jeff Dawsey
After its initial year of dominance where Matanzas won both district and regional championships in 2016, Matanzas has repeated as district and regional champions — the first in Matanzas sports history.
“I am excited for the lifters, their families and our school,” coach Sara Novak said. “I am beyond excited that this success has come, being the program is only five years old.
The Lady Pirates were led by newcomers and as well as team veterans. Lorian Givens, Kaylee Mandt, Julianna Smith and
Chiara Longo all won their individual championships. Givens was a transfer from Crescent City, and Smith and Longo are both lifting for the first time. Only Mandt is a returner from the previous season.
Danielle Thompson, Bianca Secor and Sarah Dillion each took runner-up. Of the Pirates’ 19 lifters, 18 placed in the Top 6. Thompson, Secor, Dillon and Katie Welker advanced to the state meet, along with the individual champions.
“As I told all the girls that night, I am very proud and honored to be their coach,” Novak said, “because they make all the hard work and dedication worth every minute.”
DID YOU KNOW? Now two-time girls regional champion head coach Sara Novak is the only female weightlifting coach in her region.
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