From State Powerlifting to Dance to State Band, Jazzmin Coleman Shining for LHS

There is no better combination of power and artistry than La Grange High School senior Jazzmin Coleman.

This week Coleman is headed to the state powerlifting meet, but that’s not her first state experience. She’s been a clarinet player and flag corps member on the backto- back state qualifying La Grange marching band.

And she’s also a star dancer for the Leopardette Drill Team.

“Jazzmin has been powerlifting since she was a freshman, and I’ve been the coach for the last two years. She’s done an amazing job, went to regionals last year. This year she made some huge gains and will end up at the state meet,” said La Grange powerlifting coach Charles Otto. “That was our goal at the beginning of the year, and she’s worked hard for it. I think she has a really good chance of medaling while she’s there.”

We’re proud to honor this multi-dimensional athlete as this week’s Fayette County Athlete of the Week.

We caught up with Coleman Tuesday, just a couple of days before she headed to Edinburg for Friday’s state powerlifting meet.

She said this success is actually a culmination of years of hard work.

“I’ve been lifting since I was little – not full gym lifting, but since I was around 10 years old I’d mess with some dumbbells and bicep curls. My dad and my older sister got me into it. My dad’s always lifted, and my older sister was a powerlifter for La Grange,” Coleman said.

“Getting to state feels like a really big accomplishment. I’ve always really wanted to go somewhere with lifting. It’s one thing I’m really passionate about and something I can see myself doing in the future. It’s really rewarding.”

As far as dancing and band, she said she got into those out of curiosity more than anything.

“Watching Youtube I’d see these dance videos and think that would be really fun to do,” said Coleman, who plans to go to Oregon State after graduation and wants to be a Veterinarian. “That’s why I tried out (for drill team), and with band, I was just curious about it.”

Those pursuits took up a lot of time in the fall, but lately the focus has been in the weight room.

Coleman earned her spot at state by winning second at regionals earlier this month.

At regionals, competing in the 165-pound weight class, she squatted 330, bench pressed 195 pounds and deadlifted 320.

She said her favorite lift is the dead-lift and bench is her least favorite. Her goal at state is to improve in each of those lifts.

Coleman said her premeet routine includes listening to Christian and Gospel music to get her in the “right head-space.”

Nerves at state may not be as much of a factor for Coleman as some other competitors. She’s used to the spotlight.

“Marching at the Alamodome (with the band at state) was a thrilling experience,” she said. “You’re in this huge stadium with all these people watching you. It sounds different – and it’s really fun.”

Now she’ll head to state in a totally different venue – and not in a team event, but with all the weight squarely on her strong shoulders.