Meet the Team

Liz Freel
Founder of the USPAPF

Liz began powerlifting while battling anorexia as a teenager. At the time, she was 16 years old and training for the Olympics as an equestrian competitor. Although physically demanding, equestrian taught her discipline. Despite enjoying her training, Liz began battling anorexia, and eventually went into a coma due to health complications. On the road to recovery, she picked up powerlifting. Despite feeling unwelcome in a male dominated sport, Liz trudged ahead and continued to compete and set records across the board. She has incessantly trained ever since, and started coaching when she was 26 years old. The more Liz coached, the more she realized that she could not force a person to change; the individual needs to have a reason for change, thus powerlifting became that reason for many of her lifters. Having coached nearly 50 lifters, many of whom did not have clothes or shoes, she fell in love with all the heart they gave, and all the potential they achieved. Today, Liz believes that powerlifting is much more than competing, it is a lifestyle.

Steve Denison
President of the USPAPF

In 1983, after finding a Powerlifting USA magazine, Steve stumbled into the sport and caught the iron bug. He quickly began training and competing in 1984, and eventually directed his first meet in 1987. Steve has spent 26 years in the military, with 10 years of active duty and 16 years part-time in the Army National Guard. He retired in 2012, and now powerlifting is his full-time career.

Mike Tronske
CFO of the USPAPF

Mike caught the iron bug over 40 years ago during high school football training.  He eventually discovered the sport of powerlifting through a training partner in college. In the late 1980’s he began competing in powerlifting competitions sanctioned by the USPF and ADFPA. Although he continued training regularly, he took a long hiatus from competing to devote time to raising his children, volunteering in youth sports programs, and running a business. He eventually returned to competitive powerlifting in 2005 and now serves in a full-time capacity for the USPA.  

Anne Escobedo
Administrator of the USPAPF

A day after moving to Long Beach, CA, Anne joined Metroflex gym, and began powerlifting. She eventually joined Team Freel and was introduced to USPA officials. After a year of helping with meets, she decided to become a referee. Powerlifting has given Anne a strong sense of community, pride, and discipline. The sport has led her build lasting friendships throughout Southern California and a network of athletes throughout the nation. Prior to the move, Anne received her bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, and master’s degree from Ithaca College in Speech Language Pathology. She works with students with communication impairments. Mirroring much of the sport, she empowers her students in believing that they are important, strong, and more than capable.

Ashley Lyons
Administrator of the USPAPF

Ashley lives in Northport, AL and is the wife of Alabama State Chairman, Charlie Lyons. They have five children - Ava, Haley, Olivia, Tripp and Mason. Ashley has been a USPA staff official and running USPA events since 2017. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a Business and marketing degree and worked at a local cancer center for 10 years, running their community outreach and support service division. During her career in healthcare,  she coordinated, developed, and implemented several support programs, free health care screenings, patient educational events, and more. She also worked closely with the hospital foundation to provide resources and services for indigent patients in their service area.  “The USPA and athletes have become part of my extended family! I’m so thankful for all the wonderful people I’ve met through powerlifting!  One of the first things that stood out to me from the start, is the inclusive attitude of the sport. Everyone encourages & cheers for everyone. It doesn’t matter if they are competing against each other. Athletes truly being excited for others achievements, that is something you don’t see often. This sport is truly special to be a part of.” 

 "If you can get someone off the street, and show them a way of life, you have saved a life.
- Liz Freel

Shelley Denison
Secretary of the USPAPF

Shelley was introduced to powerlifting back when the sport had little to no women's representation. She quickly became familiar with logistics, coordination, and planning for meets. Although only having competed once, powerlifting provided Shelley the opportunity to be a woman entrepreneur in a male dominated sport. Through the years, she has been awed by how men and women of all ages, sizes, and walks of life can move serious weight. Before coming across the sport, Shelley completed her bachelor’s degree as a single mother, and climbed the ladder to become Deputy City Clerk.

Eddie Avakoff
USPAPF Board Member

Eddie was introduced to powerlifting after having trained at Westside Barbell for triathlon pursuits. He fell in love with the powerlifting camaraderie on and off the platform and built life-long friendships through lifting. The sport also influenced the look and feel of his training facility that accommodates powerlifters, bodybuilders, strongmen, and strength enthusiasts. Before opening Metroflex, Eddie received a bachelor's degree in Film & Media Studies from UC Santa Barbara, and ultimately a second degree in Sports Science due to his love of fitness and exercise.

Our Mission/Vision

Powerlifting has grown exponentially in recent years, expanding into more communities, cities, and states across the nation. As much as the sport gives back inspiration and motivation, each lifter contributes their own personal journey and achievement to the sport. Many lifters and competitors can resonate with grit and tenacity to overcome personal challenges. So long as there is a financial need and a lifter, the USPAPF is willing to help with the education, training, and funding in strength sports. Our vision is to make an indelible impact in the strength community, one lifter, and one meet, at a time.

We believe that powerlifting is much more than a sport. It is an opportunity to grow as a person and motivate others. The sport provides structure, goal development, and a sense of triumph and success. A tool to empower oneself, and the lives of others, powerlifting is built upon a community of strength. The USPAPF is driven to engage with community members, expand strength training education and instruction, and directly fund powerlifters with a financial need.