The Barbell Club started at Hoover second semester of 2021 and it has been one of the best things I’ve seen come to life at Hoover. At the time, I was a community school coordinator at Hoover for a short time and this was one of the clubs that I’ve seen have a real impact. It was also my first time hearing of this program/club, but instantly I knew there was a huge need and gap to fill at Hoover High School. A large part of my role is to check in with students, staff, and community members to figure out what’s missing, what do students want to see at Hoover, and find ways to get them involved. I was a little skeptical on the success it would have, just because we were coming out of a pandemic and participation rates across the districts were low, so I wasn’t sure if students would be eager to join. 

Working with Stacey and Abbie was extremely easy as they had the whole program laid out, provided supplies and equipment, and communication was extremely efficient with getting up and running. They were flexible and patient, and we were able to identify a space (not ideal due to the size) that would work for the club. The space allowed to have around 10 student participants though, it was preferred to stay at eight student participants. After the first week of the program starting at Hoover, I was able to check in with a student participant who was also a participant of a club I was the advisor of. First, I was surprised that she signed up, and second, I was surprised by the high praise she gave the program. This student was not involved in sports, and primarily worked jobs after school. However, she made this a priority and saw the program through the end of the year. The impact it had on this particular student was beautiful to see as I saw her confidence rise. It transferred over to the club I was the advisor of because now she was speaking up more, and volunteering for more events and opportunities. 

With the teachers, I constantly was approached about if they can join the club, could the Barbell club offer lessons/training sessions for them, or what they can do to help mentor/coach students who are involved in the Barbell Club. They have now launched year two at Hoover, and Abbie was able to come and speak to all of Hoover staff about what exactly is the Barbell Club, and even offered some time where they can host an open gym style for teachers that are interested. I am happy to see this program continue to grow and reach other High Schools in the metro! My one extra ask, is that they will expand/grow into the middle schools! The girls could use them there at that level as this is a peak time where young girls start learning their identity and gain their confidence!

— Demarco Lowery, Community School Coordinator