For the first time ever, Niagara College participated in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association’s (OCAA) Ontario Collegiate Recreation Powerlifting Extramural Tournament, marking a milestone debut for both the College and its student athletes.
Held at Seneca College on March 22, the competition brought together postsecondary lifters from across the province. Representing NC were students America Castillo (Second-year student in the Business – Sales and Marketing program) and Roberto Villao (Fourth-year student in the Honours Bachelor of Business Administration – International Commerce and Global Development program).
The duo began their powerlifting journey in January 2025 as members of NC’s Powerlifting Club, which launched in December 2023. Under the guidance of Jessica Mazzonello, NC’s Fitness Coordinator and Powerlifting Coach, they trained intensively over 12 weeks to prepare for the provincial meet.
“I’m incredibly proud of the dedication and resilience our student-athletes showed,” said Mazzonello. “Both students put in the work, overcame obstacles, and even achieved personal records at the competition, which is a win in and of itself.”
The opportunity to compete arose when Powerlifting was added to the OCAA Extramural list, presenting a new area for NC students to challenge themselves through sport.
“We noticed that Powerlifting was part of the Extramural list and thought it would be a great opportunity to bring variety to the College,” said Mazzonello. “It also allowed me to be on the coaching side of the sport and to share my knowledge and expertise with our student athletes.”
Mazzonello hopes to continue to grow the Powerlifting Club and compete again in the future.
During her time at NC, Castillo found the campus gym to be a therapeutic escape that kept her grounded in the physical activity rituals she cherished in her home country of Bolivia.
Castillo’s was encouraged by her coach, Mazzonello, to train for the powerlifting competition.
“Just knowing she saw potential in me was so special,” said Castillo. “She helped me accept this as a personal challenge that I could accomplish. I was already juggling school, studying, my home, dogs, and three jobs, and though it wasn’t easy, I knew it would make me stronger in more ways than one.”
For Villao, originally from Guayaquil, Ecuador, the experience was one of growth and perseverance, both mentally and physically. He began his training journey with a fractured finger, which forced him to adapt his training early on.
Villao (left) Castillo (right) pictured with Jessica Mazzonello, NC’s Fitness Coordinator and Powerlifting Coach (middle).
“Despite still having a splint on my finger and dealing with pain, I found a way to start training anyway,” he said. “Powerlifting actually became part of my recovery. It helped me regain strength in my grip and build resilience both physically and mentally.”
While Villao has competed in numerous business competitions during his time as an NC student, this was his first time stepping outside his comfort zone to represent the College as a student athlete.
Even in the final days leading up to the tournament, Villao faced challenges: a sprained ankle and illness on competition day. Still, he showed up, gave it his all, and walked away with personal bests.
“To me, this wasn’t about competing with others. It was about proving something to myself,” he said. “The only rival I had was the person I was yesterday. Powerlifting helped me realize that someone else’s success doesn’t make mine smaller. Their journey is theirs, and mine is mine. I keep pushing forward, not to be better than anyone else, but to be better than I was.”
As a mature student, training and competing in the powerlifting competition was a reminder to Castillo that it is never too late to try something new and go after what makes you feel alive.
“A week before the competition, I hit personal bests and, in that moment, I already felt like a true winner,” she said. The competition itself wasn’t just about lifting heavy lifting – it was about growth, discipline, and discovering my own strength.”
Castillo credits the incredible support system at Niagara College for helping her throughout this transformative journey.
“I’m especially thankful to my coach for believing in me, my friends who cheered me on along the way, and NC for all the support throughout this journey,” she said. “This experience is something I’ll always carry with me.”
NC Powerlifting Results from the Ontario Collegiate Recreation Powerlifting Extramural Tournament:
America Castillo
- Squat: 105 kg
- Bench Press: 52.5 kg
- Deadlift: 112.5 kg
Roberto Villao
- Squat: 182.5 kg
- Bench Press: 115 kg
- Deadlift: 192.5 kg
