URI Powerlifting

Our Mission

URI Powerlifting is a drug-free, inclusive community built on sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect. We welcome lifters of all backgrounds to train, compete together, and support each other in chasing personal bests.

We're a nonprofit student organization at the University of Rhode Island that fosters a welcoming environment for all lifters and ensures equal participation regardless of background or identity. Our code of conduct centers on respect, teamwork, and safety in training. Membership is open to all URI undergraduates and graduates, and we host structured practices each week to help members master the squat, bench, and deadlift.

In the last year we've grown from a handful of members to a 30 plus person team, revived regular competitions, and sent multiple athletes to Collegiate Nationals momentum we expect to continue this year. We've also stepped up for the wider strength community by spotting and loading at meets and fundraising to keep the sport thriving in Rhode Island.

Our culture is proudly drug-free and aligned with USA Powerlifting's values.

Why Your Support Matters

Our rapid progress brings new needs. Many bars in our current space are bent or rusted with worn knurling, and plates are too thick for safe, heavy loading—limitations that cap performance and increase risk as our athletes get stronger.

With better equipment, we can train safely, keep qualifying athletes for Nationals, and continue elevating powerlifting in Rhode Island.

How to Join

All URI undergrad and graduate students are welcome. Pay dues set by the E-Board, attend practices and events, and follow our respectful, safety-first code of conduct. We run at least two organized training sessions weekly—come lift, learn, and find your team.

Want to Compete at Nationals?

Check out the USA Powerlifting qualifying totals to see if you’re close to qualifying for collegiate nationals. You do not need to be anywhere close to these totals to be part of the team