Texas State Powerlifting Teams Hold National Rankings
The collegiate program continues to gain momentum following strong top-15 finishes at the 2026 national championship.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Body Building
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Following a successful 2026 season, the Texas State University powerlifting program remains a top contender in the national collegiate circuit. Both the men and women squads secured positions in the top 15 of their respective raw divisions during the 2026 national championship.
Why it matters
The program has established itself as a competitive force in USA Powerlifting since its 2015 inception. By prioritizing team morale and recruitment, the program has consistently climbed the ranks against established collegiate competitors.
At the 2026 national championship, Makayla Gregory placed second in her weight class while Christian Morales earned a third-place finish. These results helped solidify the team's standing within the 37 total powerlifting clubs operating in Texas.
The players
Max Peck
He currently serves as the head coach of the Texas State University powerlifting program.
Makayla Gregory
She is a student-athlete who secured a second-place finish at the 2026 national championship.
Christian Morales
He is a powerlifter who placed third in his weight class at the 2026 national championship.
Abdias Castillo
He is a student athlete currently preparing to compete for a national title in 2027.
The details
The program focuses on raw powerlifting, which utilizes belts, knee sleeves, and wrist wraps, emphasizing athlete connection as a core pillar of recruitment. The team continues to build its legacy under the leadership of head coach Max Peck, who took over the program in 2024.
Timeline
The powerlifting program at Texas State University was founded in 2015.
The team achieved its first ranked season and national title win in 2018.
Max Peck was named the head coach of the university program in 2024.
The team secured its top-15 national rankings during the 2026 season.
Season Trajectory
The program is now positioning itself to challenge larger established programs like Midland University in future national cycles. By maintaining top-15 status, the team is building the necessary consistency to become a permanent fixture in the collegiate championship conversation.
The program's rise provides a competitive pipeline for athletes across Texas to engage in the raw division of national powerlifting. Future team success now relies on the ability of athletes like Abdias Castillo to improve upon 2026 podium placements in upcoming championship cycles.
The takeaway
The success of the Texas State program highlights the importance of fostering team morale in individual-focused strength sports. Student-athletes looking to get involved should focus on consistency in training and recruitment engagement as the program prepares for the 2027 season.
What happens next
Abdias Castillo is scheduled to compete for a national title in 2027.
Further reading
For more information on the sport, visit the Body Building section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The University Star.
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