The News-Press shines a spotlight on outstanding athletes each week, celebrating their achievements through a community-driven poll. Sponsored by Elevate Home Services, this initiative recognizes top performers nominated by coaches and schools. Winners receive exclusive rewards and participate in an insightful Q&A session, offering readers a deeper look into their journey.

Meet the Rising Stars Who Inspire Through Dedication and Strength

Unveiling the Poll Process

Every Monday, The News-Press publishes a poll featuring exceptional athletes from the previous week. These nominations are sourced from coach reports and school submissions sent to sports@news-press.com. Readers cast their votes online, determining the winner who receives a T-shirt from BSN Sports and a tote bag from the USA Today High School Sports Awards. This recognition not only celebrates individual achievement but also highlights the collective spirit of high school sports.

Bishop Verot's Weightlifting Triumph

In late January, Lainey Hooper, a senior weightlifter from Bishop Verot, emerged as the Athlete of the Week with 53% of the vote. Hooper clinched regional championships in both Traditional and Olympic lifting categories within the 129-pound weight class. Her lifts totaled an impressive 290 pounds in Traditional and 270 pounds in Olympic. Hooper’s success reflects her natural strength and unwavering dedication to the sport. Her journey began in freshman year when she discovered the school’s weightlifting program and quickly fell in love with it.Hooper’s growth has mirrored that of the entire program. From being district runners-up in her freshman year to securing a regional title in the traditional category, the team’s progress has been remarkable. A significant turning point came during her junior year when the focus shifted to proper form and strength training. This emphasis on technique and consistency brought out the best in every athlete, fostering a united and driven team environment.

Building a Legacy of Strength and Commitment

Hooper’s advice to aspiring athletes underscores the importance of consistency and hard work. She emphasizes the need to show up every day, give your all, and trust the process. Her wisdom is rooted in personal experience, having witnessed the transformative power of commitment firsthand. Hooper’s influence extends beyond weightlifting; she also participates in wrestling, a sport she was introduced to through her involvement in weightlifting. Her sophomore year marked the beginning of her wrestling journey, where she embraced the challenge and thrived.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Hooper envisions a future intertwined with both wrestling and weightlifting. Her passion for these sports fuels her ambition to pursue higher education in wrestling while continuing to compete in weightlifting. Hooper’s long-term goal is to participate in competitions and further hone her skills. Her story serves as an inspiration to young athletes, demonstrating that with perseverance and passion, anything is possible.