Eisenhower Junior Makes History as First Female Powerlifter in Aldine ISD

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Mia Palacios’ stature is not an indicator of her strength. The Eisenhower Senior High School junior stands at 4’1o, but at her very first powerlifting meet she squatted 230 pounds, benched 95 pounds, and deadlifted 235 pounds. At the end of the meet, she took second place overall. 

This spring Palacios made history and became Eisenhower and the District’s very first female powerlifter. Her journey into powerlifting wasn’t a typical one. The powerlifting season was already underway when she showed her soccer coach, Kevin Goodwin, a video of her lifting 225 pounds at her gym. Palacios expressed an interest in the sport and her coach knew she had what it takes to be successful. 

“Mia is definitely one of the most disciplined, determined, and responsible student-athletes that I have ever coached,” Goodwin said. “We are truly blessed to have her walking the hallways of Eisenhower High School. When you first meet her, she is very unassuming. It’s a pleasure to watch her amaze her opponents, coaches, and fans by the strides that she continues to make in every aspect of her high school career.”

Goodwin introduced Palacios to Eisenhower Senior High School powerlifting coach, Ray Metoyer. Metoyer has coached both girls and boys powerlifting for more than 20 years.

“Mia had all the skills necessary to be a powerlifter,” the coach explained. “She is a hard worker, she’s very determined and has a love for the sport and that is what got her to regionals.” 

Ray Metoyer, Eisenhower Senior High School powerlifting coach, and Mia Palacios, Eisenhower Senior High School junior powerlifter.

Palacios first began weightlifting with her friends at the gym. She soon realized that it was something that she not only enjoyed but was good at it. 

“I continued to push myself in the gym to get better and become stronger,” Palacios explained.

Metoyer wanted to see what she could do and immediately recognized that Palacios could qualify for Regionals. After calling around, Metoyer finally found a meet in Conroe ISD for Palacios to participate in. It happened to be the last powerlifting meet of the season to qualify for Regionals. The coaches worked with Palacios in the gym to focus on training, technique, and to ensure she knew what to expect for the upcoming meet. 

“My first meet was a good learning experience and now I am more confident and comfortable in the weight room than before.” 

At her next meet, she brought home fourth place and her total lift was 560 pounds, qualifying her for the Regional Powerlifting Meet. In March, she lifted 655 pounds at the Class 6A Regional Powerlifting Meet and took home sixth-place. 

“Powerlifting makes me feel strong. It’s not just for boys, girls can lift heavy too.” 

Palacios is inspired by other women powerlifters at her local gym and online. She says watching them lift encourages her to keep going and stick with it. Since competing in her first meet she has had multiple girls at school ask her how they can start lifting. Her response for those interested in powerlifting is to just start.

“Mia opened the door for many other girls who are interested in powerlifting,” Metoyer shared. “I am very proud of her and the sky’s the limit for her. I’m determined that she will make it to state.” 

This summer the history maker has plans to work hard in the weight room to prepare for the state powerlifting meet next year.