Atlanta, GA – Facing off with a total of 74 other universities at the event, the Grand Canyon University Powerlifting team posted a pair of top-6 finishes at the Powerlifting America University Nationals at College Park, Georgia. The Lopes' Women's team outlifted all but Ottawa University (Kansas) to secure a 2^nd place finish, while the GCU men finished just outside of the top 5 in 6^th place.

"I was very proud of our team's performances, seeing all of the hard work that our athletes have put in this year pay off was awesome," said GCU Head Coach Dawson Aaron. "For our women specifically, it was incredible to see their determination throughout our training sessions turn into high-level results."

Emily Bailey (2^nd, raw 47kg), Isabella Bilyeu (3^rd, raw 52kg) Kenzie Probasco (3^rd, raw 84kg) Zoey Prokopyschyn (3^rd, raw 69kg), and Holly Wilson (3^rd, raw 57kg) all finished in the top 5 in their respective women's divisions.

For the men, it was Apollo Bruckbauer (2^nd, raw 83kg), Sylas Glazier (5^th, raw 83kg), and Caleb Onzuka (5^th, raw 66kg) who placed among the top five.

A common theme for the GCU Powerlifting program this year has been growth, and that continued to shine through the tournament, flying out 23 lifters to Georgia as compared to the 13 that took the trip last year to Reno, Nevada.

"We continue to grow every semester and that's been great," said Aaron. "Our focus has always been to make every student that participates feel stronger and more accomplished in their fitness journey, and our team has all bought in to that goal."

Part of the incredible finish for the GCU women includes a guaranteed bid to the International Powerlifting Federation University Cup in Istanbul, Turkey, this July - an event that both Aaron and Lopes' Faith Anderson competed in last summer (though the format has changed from an Olympics-style 'Worlds' event to the new 'University Cup' style).

The men also qualified - thanks to a team in front of them unable to make the overseas trip. In total, GCU Powerlifting will send 13 lifters to Turkey (six men and seven women).

"They changed the format a bit this year to allow more lifters to be able to participate, which is great," said Aaron. "Having the opportunity to go international for something that you're passionate about is an incredible feeling. After going last year, I'm grateful that more of our club will get to share in that."

As the school year comes to a close, the team is going to split up and return to their homes, but the training won't stop. Student athletes will send in videos to be critiqued and follow online training plans customized for each of their goals.

"We're going to move to an online training/coaching style almost as soon as everyone gets home," said Aaron. "It's my job to make sure that everyone is ready to go come July, and I'm going to do that any way I can."