Five-time world championship team member Ursula Garza Papandrea began her career in Texas, where powerlifting was the major strength sport. She worked her way to weightlifting at a critical time in the sport, making her national debut in 1987.

Papandrea went on to win the national championship twice while playing a part in the storied Coffee’s Gym dynasty of 20 team championships. She set the American record clean and jerk and represented the U.S. at Worlds from 1992-1996. Retiring before the inclusion of women's weightlifting in the Olympic Games, it is perhaps as a coach where Papandrea really cemented her status.

The only female to achieve the rank of senior international coach, Papandrea has coached athletes to represent Team USA at nearly every level possible. She also coached a team of athletes to the national men’s team championship in 2014, the only female to do so in history.

Papandrea joined the USA Weightlifting Board of Directors in 2009, becoming the organization's first female chairperson in 2016. She resigned in 2020 to become acting president of the International Weightlifting Federation, a role she held from January through October. She was elected the first female VP of the IWF in 2016.

Cristina Gomez, Athlete and Technical Official

Celebrating The Hispanic And Latinx Americans Who Helped Shape Weightlifting

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