Anastasia Kukla was my powerlifting coach throughout the 2025–2026 school year, and I truly don’t think I could ever fully put into words how much she has meant to me and my powerlifting journey. She was not just a coach to me—she was the best coach I have ever had, and someone who genuinely changed the way I see myself both in and out of the gym. She never gave up on me, even when things didn’t go the way I had hoped, and even when I felt like I was letting myself down.

One of my biggest goals was to make it to State, and when I wasn’t able to, I honestly felt crushed. But Anastasia didn’t let that be the end of my season or my confidence. Instead, she immediately stepped in, found another opportunity for me to compete, and took me to an extra powerlifting meet so I could keep chasing my goals instead of giving up on them. That moment meant more to me than I can explain—it showed me how much she truly cared. She was there to coach and support me at State, standing by me the entire time, and she continued to believe in me every single step of the way, even when I struggled to believe in myself. With her guidance, encouragement, and unwavering belief in me, I accomplished something I never imagined—placing 2nd at the National Powerlifting Meet in Omaha, Nebraska, as a sophomore in high school.

Anastasia helped me reach new PRs by teaching me the right exercises, helping me build real strength, and taking the time to carefully correct my form so I could grow into a better, safer, and more confident lifter. But what I will always remember most is how she supported me mentally. She was there for me before and during every meet, calming my nerves, reminding me to breathe, and telling me I was capable of more than I thought I was. There were so many moments when I doubted myself, when I felt like I wasn’t strong enough or good enough, but she never once stopped believing in me. She saw something in me that I couldn’t see in myself, and she refused to let me forget it.

She also helped me in ways that went far beyond lifting. There were times when I would get so stressed about competing that I wouldn’t eat enough or would lose my appetite completely, and she noticed that. She made sure I was taking care of myself, reminded me to eat, and helped me stay on track with my weight in a healthy way. She didn’t just care about my performance—she cared about my well-being, and that meant everything to me.

When I look back on this past year, I realize that Anastasia gave me so much more than coaching. She gave me confidence when I had none, motivation when I wanted to quit, and the courage to keep going when things didn’t work out the way I wanted. She taught me that one setback does not define your journey, and that sometimes the right person believing in you is all it takes to help you find a new path forward. I will forever be grateful for every meet, every PR, every correction, every word of encouragement, and every time she refused to give up on me. I truly wouldn’t be the lifter or the person I am today without her. She is, without a doubt, the best coach I have ever had, and I will carry everything she has taught me with me for the rest of my powerlifting journey.