A’jaLynn Bostic just made history.

The South Garland High School senior dominated the 2026 Texas High School Women's Powerlifting Association Championship in March, earning the first-ever title for both her school and Garland ISD while breaking all four state records. 

She set a state record in the bench press at 325 pounds, followed by a 550-pound squat and a 530-pound deadlift. Her combined total of 1,405 pounds also set a new state record. It was a performance that separated her from the field at every lift and placed her among the most accomplished lifters in Texas girls’ powerlifting history.

Moments like that might call for celebration. Bostic keeps it simple.

To her, it is just another number.

Her path to the top started earlier than most.

Bostic first stepped into the sport in eighth grade after playing football and catching the attention of coaches who saw her potential. By the time she reached high school, she was fully committed to powerlifting and quickly found her place in the program.

“There’s a lot to like about powerlifting,” Bostic said. “But the main thing is the people. Everyone thinks it’s an individual sport, but it’s really not. It’s a team effort.”

Powerlifting may look like an individual sport on paper, but to her, it feels more like a family reunion. At girls’ meets, athletes from different schools lean over to give last-second advice, clap for each attempt, and celebrate big lifts together. That support means everything.

“People think it’s just you and the bar,” she said. “But you build this whole community around it.”

At the center of that community is her mom, her loudest and most loyal fan. In the chaos of a meet, Bostic says the one voice she can always pick out is her mother’s, coaching from the crowd and cheering through every squat, bench, and deadlift.

That sense of connection shaped her experience. Even at meets filled with unfamiliar faces, encouragement comes from all directions, including competitors.

It also helped her navigate challenges along the way, including balancing school, training, and moving to Garland ISD ahead of her senior year.

Powerlifting also gave her an outlet.

“When you go under a bar and lift something heavy, it’s like a weight lifted off your shoulders,” she said.

Success in the sport takes discipline. Bostic trains four to five days a week, combining strength work with cardio and recovery. Ice baths and rest are part of her routine, helping her stay ready for competition.

Her support system has been key.

Her coaches helped guide her growth throughout high school, while her mom remained a constant presence at every meet, tracking every lift from the stands. Together, they helped lay the foundation for a record-setting career.

She entered the state meet focused on finishing strong and making the moment count.

She left as a champion and a history-maker.

Bostic will be recognized at the March 31 Board of Trustees meeting for her historic achievement.

Now, her legacy is defined by strength, consistency, and quiet confidence.

Her advice to others considering the sport is simple.

“Do it,” she said. “It’s something you might not think you’d love, but once you start, you will.”

For Bostic, that decision became a state title, a record-breaking performance, and a place in Texas history.