Northwood University Announced The Addition Of Varsity Powerlifting With Their First Athlete Signing

MIDLAND, MICH. – Lauren Zink has joined the Northwood Timberwolves as the program's first-ever varsity powerlifting athlete. 

Lauren began powerlifting at Yale High School in 2021 and has served as team captain since 2023. She became a member of USA Powerlifting in 2024 and made history as the first female powerlifter from her high school to compete at the USAPL National Championship, where she placed 15th in the nation. 

In addition to nationals, Lauren has competed at the USAPL Davenport University Panther Showdown, earning both first and second place medals. At the Michigan High School Powerlifting Association (MHSPLA) state qualifiers, she finished eighth in her first year and improved to fifth in her second. 

As team captain, Lauren helped lead her team to multiple first and second place finishes at MHSPLA meets and played a key role in growing the program into one of the largest in the association. She has also collected several individual podium finishes, including first, second, and third-place medals across various competitions.