Girls Weightlifting

Strength. Discipline. Confidence. Be the Standard.

The Destin High School Girls Weightlifting program is committed to developing strong, confident, disciplined student-athletes who pursue excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in their community. The program combines sound weightlifting fundamentals with a culture built on accountability, perseverance, teamwork, character, and belief.

The Sharks made history during the 2025–2026 season, their first year eligible to compete in the FHSAA State Series. Destin High School finished third overall at the Class 1A State Championships, immediately establishing the program as one of Florida's emerging girls' weightlifting programs. The season was highlighted by Elena Nava, who captured Destin High School's first individual state championship in school history, winning the Class 1A 119-pound weight class while setting personal records on all of her lifts.

That historic season created the foundation for what Destin Girls Weightlifting is working to become: a championship-caliber program that develops young women well beyond the weight room.

The program's mission is to develop disciplined, confident, safe, and academically responsible student-athletes. Academics come first, safety is always a priority, the team comes before self, and athletes are expected to represent Destin High School with character everywhere they go. Student-athletes are held accountable for their academic performance, attendance, effort, conduct, and commitment to their teammates.

For the 2026–2027 season, the Sharks are led by Head Coach Langston Stove and Assistant Coach Skylar Walden who both hold a USAW Level 1 certification. The coaching staff emphasizes proper technique, athlete safety, progressive strength development, academic responsibility, sportsmanship, and creating an environment in which athletes of all experience levels can develop and compete.

The program also believes championship teams are built through community. Each athlete participates in the team's sponsorship efforts, helping build relationships between Destin High School Weightlifting and the businesses and organizations that support Shark athletics. Those partnerships help provide equipment, uniforms, travel, competition opportunities, and other resources that allow DHS lifters to compete at the highest level possible.

From a third-place state finish in its first FHSAA State Series appearance to producing Destin High School's first state champion, Girls Weightlifting has already established a tradition of excellence. Now, the goal is not simply to continue that success—it is to build upon it.

The standard has been set. The work continues.

DESTIN SHARKS GIRLS WEIGHTLIFTING

Strong. Confident. Competitive.
BE THE STANDARD.