LAKELAND — Lakeland junior Rhyan Parrish said it was the best decision for her to attend Harrison School of the Arts. She attends Harrison for singing as she’s in the choir but she also has continued her love for weightlifting, which began in middle school, as she’s been on the Dreadnaughts’ girls weightlifting team since she was a freshman.
A state-qualifier as a freshman, Parrish finished fourth in the Traditional competition at the state meet last year and is looking to continue her drive to the top this year. She’s off to a good start in the postseason as she won the 119-pound division in both Traditional and Olympic as one of the top lifters at Thursday’s Class 3A, District 10 girls weightlifting meet at the Lakeland High School.
With her performance, Parrish led Lakeland to district titles in the Traditional and Olympic competitions as Haines City was runner-up both times, followed by Winter Haven in third place.
Early season: 10 Polk County girls weightlifters to watch during the 2023-24 season