Kayla Pratt is in her senior year at Catoosa High School, where she is a member of the powerlifting team. While she has put in a lot of work to improve her skills, she also says that she has a great group of people around her as a support system.

“I have multiple role models in my life, with number one being Jesus Christ,” she said. “He teaches me and encourages me to be a great teammate, opponent, and overall better person in and out of sports. Second, is my best friend, Ta’Nei West. Our junior year, she tore her ACL and seeing her come back from her injury with a positive attitude and passion encourages me. Reagan Blackburn, my teammate, is an insanely strong and beautiful young lady who encourages me to be better and on her level. I appreciate my Coach, Grant Cheves, so much and how he invests in me, encourages me, and has been there for me. I’m so thankful he has been my coach throughout my three years of powerlifting.”

Along with being on the powerlifting team, Pratt is also a leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at her school.

“I help lead FCA with my best friends Corbin, Jordan, and Ta’Nei,” she stated. “We love bringing the word of God to students at our school and encouraging, mentoring, and meeting with them weekly.”

Pratt works hard in preparation for her competitions so that she can be at her best each and every time. Along with the work, she leans on a scripture that helps her.

“My journey to success as a powerlifter has taken time, determination, mental strength, faith, hope, and love,” she said. “Joshua 1:9 motivates me and helps me to not be afraid while I’m walking up the weights and reminds me that the Lord walks with me wherever I go.”

Whenever she is lifting at one of her meets, Pratt knows that she is doing it for more than just herself.

“To be able to represent my school, family, friends, faith, and community through powerlifting is such a great opportunity,” she said proudly. “Catoosa is a great school and I wouldn’t want to represent any other high school.”