Athlete of the Week: Haley Pine, TFA weightlifter

The First Academy senior weightlifter Haley Pine has been phenomenal this season, building on her success from the previous year. Last season, she was a part of the team’s district championship and qualified for regionals.

Competing in traditional weightlifting, Pine opened the 2025-26 season by taking first place in her weight class and contributed to the team’s 53-34 victory over Monteverde. 

Since then, she has secured four additional first-place finishes. Most recently, she was one of 13 TFA weightlifters who placed first in the win against Orangewood Christian on Wednesday, Dec. 10, for senior night. 

What do you enjoy most about weightlifting?

I enjoy the supportive environment of our team and the adrenaline rush right as I am about to lift. The feeling of getting a new PR is extremely exciting. 

When did you start weightlifting, and why did you join?

I started weightlifting when I was a sophomore. I joined because I wanted to experience a new sport. I also wanted a challenge that would push me out of my comfort zone.

What is your biggest accomplishment in weightlifting?

My biggest accomplishment in weightlifting is going to regionals for the last two years and placing sixth out of 52 girls at the Buffalo Invitational this season.

What has weightlifting taught you?

Weightlifting has taught me to be self disciplined, resilient and to trust the process.    

How would you describe yourself as a teammate?

If I could describe myself as a teammate, I would say I am supportive, reliable and, most important, encouraging to all my teammates. 

What advice would you give someone who just joined weightlifting?

It might be difficult at first, but if you trust the process, improvement will come. 

If you were a coach, what speech would you give the team?

If I was a coach, I would tell my team that goals are meant to be reached and exceeded upon. With God’s gifts that he gave us, we are able to conquer anything with him by our side.

What is your pre-meet ritual?

My pre-meet ritual is going around to everyone on my team to hype them up before the meet starts.

If you could pick a different sport, what would it be?

I love weightlifting but I also compete in pole-vaulting in track and field in the spring.

Who do you look up to the most?

I look up to my mom and coach Trey Tyler the most. They have been the biggest influences in my life.

What is something new you would like to learn?

I would like to learn how to bake macaroons with more precision. 

Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida?

I really like Florida, and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

If you won the lottery what would you do with the money?

If I won the lottery, I would put some toward college, give some to Sleep in Heavenly Peace — an organization where we build beds for kids who sleep on the floor in our community — and give the rest to my mom.  

What is your favorite holiday tradition? Why?

My favorite holiday tradition is at Christmastime, when me and my family put on our Christmas pajamas, make hot chocolate and ride around to look at the lights.

What future career do you want to have?

My end goal is to become an adoption attorney.

If you became famous, what would it be for?

If I were famous, it would be for baking delicious goods that make everyone’s mouth water when they look at them. 

If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose?

If I had to pick a spirit animal, I would pick a jaguar. 

What is your perfect day?

My perfect day consists of going to an island with all my family and my closest friends.

Would you rather only eat fruit or vegetables?

I would rather eat only fruit than vegetables.