In 2023, Zoey Morelli was a star in the making, becoming the first lifter from Parrish Community High School to medal at the state level.

Four years later, Morelli was standing in front of a packed gymnasium holding up a shiny, silver ring with a Parrish Bull embedded on the front. State Champion.

Morelli says her growth since freshman year is “very meaningful” to her.

“I have grown so much as a lifter, but more importantly, I have grown in my confidence, leadership, and ability to handle pressure,” Morelli said. “I could not be more grateful for this sport that has shaped me as an individual.”

She’s already made her own history with a stacked resume, qualifying for States as a freshman, sophomore, and junior. She placed 2nd in 2025 and snagged the gold medal last year.

And on September 8, 2026, Morelli received her championship ring between the first and second sets of the Parrish Bulls’ volleyball match against the Manatee Hurricanes.

In a statement read by the Bulls’ PA announcer, Morelli was recognized for becoming the first individual state champion in PCHS history, “winning the 110-pound weight class in the Olympic division.” She also set a state record with a 140-lb snatch and 175-lb clean and jerk to combine for 315 pounds lifted.

(From left to right: Principal Daniel Bradshaw, Athletic Director Shawn Trent, Zoey Morelli, and Weight Lifting Coach Remi Hebert)

“Seeing my ring represents everything that I have put into weightlifting since freshman year,” Morelli said. “Winning the state title and making school history was such a meaningful accomplishment for me. After years of hard work, dedication, and growth, receiving the ring makes the accomplishment feel so much more real.”

Even with these accomplishments, she’s looking to make more history, stating that her junior year title “set a very high standard for me” entering her senior season.

“I have shown what I am capable of, and I will continue to push myself further,” Morelli said. “For our program, I hope it shows younger girls coming into the sport that they can achieve the goals they set for themselves. I want to help continue to build on what our team has accomplished.”

What makes this year most meaningful is that she will have someone to carry on her legacy following graduation in May 2027. Her sister Avery, who started her freshman year in August, is now joining the Bulls’ squad for her first season. She has already had success outside of the school team, securing a gold medal at the USA Weightlifting National Championships in Colorado over the summer. Zoey also competed at the National meet, earning a bronze medal in her division. 

Both Zoey and Avery represented Full Circle Performance, the club they regularly train at.

“It is truly so special to have my sister competing on the same team because I get to share something that means so much to me with her,” Zoey said. “Being able to guide her and give her advice is something I truly enjoy. I want to be someone she can look up to and support her throughout her season, while also letting her accomplish her own goals.”