Marissa Martinez stands only 5’1” and weighs 123 lbs. but she has some serious power in her little body. Marissa lifted a total of 835 pounds in multiple rounds at the state power lifting meet to win 1st place. This 18 year old senior at Calhoun High has received numerous awards and honors both academic and athletic, and now the honor student has been named #1 power lifter in Texas, #3 in the nation and 1st alternate to the world team competing in Hungary this September. She is the oldest child of Angel and Marie Martinez of Seadrift. While her four younger brothers were running track and playing football, Marissa quietly tried out for the girl’s power lifting team and she was amazing. She really loved the sport and proved to be quite good at it. She has been named Most Improved and Most Valuable on the team and has won multiple meets and competitions. Marissa says she really loves the sport and has tried to do her very best to make her coach, family and friends proud of her. They have been really supportive she says.

The world competition is expensive to attend, but an honor she would really like to accept. A $2,200 deposit would add her name to the travel list for the Worlds’ meet, and additional funds would make it possible for her to represent her sport and our area. Mom, Marie, works at Bubba’s in Seadrift and has a donation jar where you can help send our little local lifter with the big power to this year’s world competition. Even a small donation could make a big difference. Let your change be a vote for Marissa to win big in Hungary!