About URI Powerlifting
Building strength, community, and character through powerlifting at the University of Rhode Island.
Leadership Team
Roman Olivardia
President
I am a Junior in Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences with a Nutrition minor. As President, I oversee day-to-day operations and the E-Board, keep our URInvolved page and required forms up to date, manage communications and presentations, coordinate budgeting and purchases with the Treasurer, and work with the VP to schedule meets; I also handle USAPL club registration and maintain members' USAPL IDs. I'm at practices, meets, and events to support athletes, answer questions, and keep club materials organized, while competing in collegiate powerlifting and pushing a drug-free, inclusive culture built on respect, teamwork, and camaraderie.
Connor Beinstein
Vice President
I'm currently a senior at URI studying Marine Affairs and plan on pursuing a career in vessel operations. My dad, a former powerlifter, started training me when I was 15 and I began competing as a freshman and fell in love with it. I'm a USAPL certified State Referee and work closely with meet directors and other federation officials to get our team registered for competitions at low costs, as well as coordinate with URI's club sports department to organize practice times and handle whatever issues may arise. I'm super excited to continue my powerlifting career as an athlete, referee, and student leader so that I can inspire others to push themselves even further.
Hunter Massey
Treasurer
Current junior psychology undergraduate student at URI. As the team's treasurer, I am responsible for virtually all financial aspects of the organization. My responsibilities include, but are not limited to; collecting dues, creating a budget, and planning for travel expenses. My athletic experience primarily comes from playing lacrosse my whole life, so powerlifting was a change. Being fairly new to powerlifting, I am incredibly enthusiastic about the sport. I regularly attend practices, meets, and team fundraising events. I am someone who is always there for the new kids, considering I was one not too long ago! I am so excited to continue my powerlifting experience here at URI!
Kelsi Stickels
Secretary
I am a junior at URI studying Art and Psychology, this is my third year on the URI Powerlifting and second year as the teams Secretary. I've always enjoyed lifting and became consistent in powerlifting training last year. I provide creativity through the clubs social media and merchandise. My favorite part of this role is continuing to cultivate a nonjudgment welcoming lifting community for URI.
Riley Ferguson
Events Coordinator
I'm currently a Sophomore at URI studying Nursing. As the team's Events Coordinator I am in charge of planning, executing, and documenting all of the team's social and fundraising events. In addition to this I may also be the person doing behind the scenes work, such as writing documents and assisting in recruiting. I have been lifting weights since I was 12 years old through other sports such as football, baseball, discus, shot put, etc. I started specifically powerlifting at URI and I have never looked back. Through this sport, I have met some of my best friends and exceeded many personal goals in just a year of membership. I look forward to promoting this organization and sport across the campus and eventually across the community.