Palmetto Ridge grad brings national weightlifting title back to Naples gym

NAPLES, Fla. (WINK)—A former Palmetto Ridge High School weightlifter who recently competed on the national stage has returned to inspire the next generation of athletes.

Samantha Strahle finished first in her session and third overall at a major American weightlifting competition just weeks ago. Now, she's back in the same weight room where her journey began, working alongside the coach who helped her reach the national level.

"Just around the corner is another good day, another PR, and just consistency, time under pressure, time under the bar," Strahle said. "It's going to get you places that you could never imagine, taking me places I never would have thought when I first started."

Her coach, Matthew Cevallos, has worked with Strahle throughout her career. He described the experience as an honor, noting that in his nine years as a head coach, it's rare to work with an athlete willing to give so much to the sport.

Strahle plans to continue competing while helping the girls' weightlifting team through their high school season. She wants to have a bigger impact on the athletes and help them fall in love with the sport the way she did. 

Her presence has already made an impression on current team members. Junior weightlifter Keila Benitez said seeing Strahle compete at such a high level shows what's possible when you put in the work and believe in yourself.

"It's an honor just seeing her being up there, like it really is, because it just really shows like when you put in the work, and you like believe in yourself, and you do what you're supposed to do, like you're gonna go places," Benitez said.

Strahle's return to Palmetto Ridge represents a full-circle moment, bringing her national-level experience back to the program that launched her weightlifting career.

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