ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Anastasia Stults

Anastasia Stults, a 95-pound West Orange High senior on the Warriors’ girls weightlifting team, placed first in the 101-pound weight class at the Class 2A, Region 5 Meet Jan. 21, thereby qualifying for the 2016 FHSAA Girls Weightlifting State Championships Feb. 6.

What do you hope to accomplish at states?

I would love to win states, but realistically, placing is what I want to do. If I place, then I’m good, I’m set. Going (to states) is an achievement to begin with.

What do you enjoy the most about weightlifting?

I love the team aspect of it. It’s just a whole bunch of tough girls, and you get to be around each other all day. It’s cool because not a lot of people perceive girls as being these tough, super athletes, and it’s cool that as women we can make a statement. … You’re pushing yourself to do things that most people can’t do. It’s really awesome being able to lift more than your body weight. I think it’s just something not many people have been able to accomplish.

What would you like to do after graduation?

I want to get a personal-training certificate because I love the physical aspect of it, too, and the physical aspect of a person is really beautiful. Being able to push yourself and transform your body into something you would never imagine that you could achieve is really cool.

If you could be any animal, what would it be and why?

Definitely a koala, because all they do is eat and sleep.

Do you have a quote that really sticks out to you?

“Proud, but never satisfied.” You can always be as proud of yourself as you want to, but in the long run, you’ll never be completely satisfied. You can always be proud of what you have, but always try to push that extra distance.

If you had to live on a deserted island and could only bring two things, what would they be?

Duct tape, because duct tape fixes everything. Also, we have this blanket at my house and it’s the warmest blanket ever, so I would definitely bring my blanket, too.

Who’s your favorite musician or band?

I love Ed Sheeran. I love that his music is real and he does his own things. The way he sings is his own style. If you listen to his music, you can tell, “Hey, that’s Ed Sheeran.” 

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

Australia, because I’ve always imagined it being the perfect weather climate, and I’ve always liked surfing, so it would be cool to go there and try that out.