Women's Team

Open

Heather Benoit

Darcie Daoust (Open OG)

Betsy Dorr

Kassie Lincoln

Marielle Opena

Master

Lee’Ann Delcourt

Brenna Herridge (Master OG)

Junior

Mackenzie Connor

Emma Downing

Hattie Dunton

Lizzy Young (Junior OG)

Teen

Emma Mancine

Julia Wells (Teen OG)

Piper Wojcik

Lifter Spotlights

Heather Benoit / Open / 75 KG

First Meet 2022 USAPL Summer Showdown
PRs Ask me in April! haha
2023 Goals 10 unassisted pull-ups
Hobbies Fishing, hiking, obstacle races
People don’t know I have not skipped a training day in over a year. I am constantly pushing for my next goal!
Heather’s Lifting History

In Heather's Words...

Physical fitness has always been a part of my world, but strength training is a part of who I am. Through powerlifting this past year, I have gained so much confidence, structure, mental grit and determination. It’s not just the weight on the bar, it’s me against me. That’s where it counts. Do your accessories!

Darcie Daoust / Open/ 82.5 KG

First Meet 2020 Maine State Championships
PRs S-340 B-165 D-315
2023 Goals Qualify for open nats!
Coach Downing’s 2¢ Through a series of painful family illnesses and training injuries, Darcie has not had her day on the platform. Yet, she keeps moving forward with the same enthusiasm she had on day one. She has turned injuries into an opportunity to focus on weak links and has learned to lean into her training regardless of what is going on in her personal life. Even on her worst day, you could not ask for a better teammate. She is one of the most resilient, kind and loyal people I know!
Darcie’s Lifting History

In Darcie's Words...

“Before I became a Powerlifter I was merely just floating by with no self worth, waiting for a change. I met Shelby about a year into my fitness journey. Full of excitement and dreams, it was the first time I felt a sense of belonging. Shelby and I quickly became friends and everything started to fall into place; because of this exact experience I believe everything happens for a reason. Everyday I walk into Stand Strong I learn something new about myself, I grow if not physically, mentally everyday. I have a lot of overwhelming challenges in my life and I am now able to navigate through them in a healthy manner with the best support system I never thought I’d have. I am very blessed to have Shelby and my Stand Strong team! My best advice to you: Take the plunge. It could change your life.”

Marielle Opena / Open / 50 & 52 KG

First Meet: 2016 RPS New England Revolution
Personal Bests: S – 325 B – 154 D – 363
Goals for 2023: Finally compete at Nationals!
Other Hobbies: Reading books, watching feel good and action movies, eating too much sweets!
Most people don’t know: I was a track & cross country athlete. I ran a half and a full marathon!
Coach Downing’s 2¢: Marielle is primarily coached online, although she trains at Stand Strong about once a month. She is able to make tiny technical changes very quickly and the changes stick! Marielle is relatively new to the team, I am really excited to get to work with her!
Marielle’s Lifting History

In Marielle's Words...

“I was moving out of my dorm at the end of junior year of college without help, out of breath with arms burning. ‘I’m not going to be weak anymore,’ I said. That set off a journey to the weight room and eventually powerlifting. Seven and half years later, I’m still striving to be strong. Throughout the craziness of gap years, medical school and residency, I’ve always found solace in what made me sane – the weight of the iron on my back and in my hands. All these years of guiding myself blindly, I finally got to a point where I felt that I can dedicate myself to working with a coach and become an even more elevated lifter. I couldn’t be happier being a part of Stand Strong!”

Julia Wells / Teen III / 75 KG

First Meet: 2022 USAPL NH State Championships
Personal Bests as of 2/2023: S: 330 B: 165 D: 325
Goals for 2023: Squat 390 & Bench 200
Other Sports/hobbies: Horseback Riding & Piano
All Time Highest USAPL Maine Teen Female Total Dots Score
Coach Downing’s 2¢ Julia is a very determined, reliable & FUN athlete! Her willingness to embrace her weakest links as great opportunities for improvement, makes the sky the limit for Jules! It is easy to work on what we are good at, Jules digs deep and works on it all! So fun to watch her journey unfold!
Julia’s Lifting History

In Julia's Words...

“Stand Strong was literally my saving grace. I started there when I was in a very difficult transition from high school to homeschool. Stand Strong gave me a reason to get up in the morning…to do something more with my life. The environment there is so welcoming and I know I always have people there to support me and push me in the best of ways. I have done things that I never thought I would be able to accomplish because of Shelby and the Stand Strong team, and for that I am so grateful.”