'No days off': Gregory-Portland's Abigail Moreno powers way through busy spring schedule
PORTLAND — Monday was the start of spring break for most students but Gregory-Portland senior Abigail Moreno is hardly getting rest.
Moreno is currently in season for softball, but is also training for the Texas High School Women's Powerlifting Association state meet scheduled this week at the Comerica Center in Frisco.
Moreno began the week like most by waking up early to get some lifts in at the high school before spending the rest of the day playing softball.
"I've been on the grind, mostly because I play two sports right now and they're in the same season," Moreno said. "There's really no days off. It's a constant thing."
Moreno can't remember the last time she had a day off, but that isn't unusual with her juggling multiple sports, including her academics.
Moreno, who is a three-time state qualifier in powerlifting, is hoping this is the year she brings home gold in her final state appearance.
Moreno's current personal records include 385 pounds in deadlifts, 210 in the bench press and 360 for squats.
"My goal is to finish in the top three," Moreno said. "I hope I can PR because I've been working really hard. My goal is to lift 385 or 395 in my deadlift and 225 in bench. I train twice a day and have also been working on my squat."
Moreno developed a passion for powerlifting after training at Texas Area Strength and Fitness at a young age. Moreno also played volleyball growing up before shifting her focus to only powerlifting and softball the last three seasons.
In fact, Moreno is committed to playing college softball after signing with Galveston College as a utility player in November 2023.
"This is my first year here with Abigail but just being here a short amount of time, I've seen her compete and it's inspiring for the other kids," Gregory-Portland girls powerlifting coach Brent Swanson said. "Abigail isn't a big talker but she comes in and gets the work done. Seeing her excel in both powerlifting and softball is fun to watch."
Moreno said her mom has been an inspiration to her lifting after watching her train at a young age. She also praised the guidance of Eric Franco, who is her instructor at Texas Area Strength and Fitness.
"I've stuck with it and Eric has always been by my side," Moreno said. "Powerlifting has also played a big role in helping with my other sports. I prefer softball but I'm going to continue lifting. Softball is more of a team sport and powerlifting is more of a personal sport."
Swanson hopes Moreno's trip to state will inspire future lifers at G-P.
Moreno was the only state qualifier for the Wildcats this season with the rest of the team qualifying for regionals.
"We were young this year with only two seniors and Abigail was one of them," Swanson said. "Seeing her go, it's going to drive our younger ones to try and reach that goal. It's going to push us in the the right direction and hopefully get more girls to state."
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Gregory-Portland's Abigail Moreno powers way through busy spring schedule
