As the clang of the bar hits the rack after her final repetition on the bench press, senior thrower Jessa Luebke takes a glance into one of the many mirrors covering the walls of the Williams Center.
Four years previously, Luebke arrived on campus as a promising throwing prospect who had relied on her natural strength throughout her career at Tomah High School.
As Luebke glances at her reflection, it’s clear that this is not the same athlete who had been a stranger to the weight room throughout her high school years.
Knotted with muscle and brawn, Luebke’s hard work in the weight room is paying major dividends this season. After being named All-American for shot put during the indoor season, Luebke has big goals for herself in the outdoor season.
“My goals for the rest of the season are to be an All American in the hammer throw and to possibly become the national champion in the event,” Luebke said. “Another one of my goals is to break the school record in the hammer throw, I truly want to crush that record.”
Luebke credits her success to her hard work in the weight room. Posting some of the best numbers on the women’s team, Luebke’s maxes include: a 355-pound back squat, a bench press of 165 pounds and a 460-pound quarter-squat.
Her hard work has shown over the past few years as she’s been able to increase her hammer throw from 46.56 meters as a sophomore to 52.9 meters this season.
She recently took fourth in the hammer throw at the WIAC championships and was the only person on the team to place in three events.
Head coach Josh Ireland said Luebke’s preparation and love for her craft could propel her to new heights.
“You can never guarantee anything at this level, but if she continues to perform the way she has thus far, then her chances of attaining All-American status will be very good,” Ireland said.
Luebke’s hammer throw is currently ninth-best in the nation.
A three-sport athlete at Tomah High School, Luebke garnered 11 varsity letters during her time there in track and field, volleyball and basketball.
Despite being coveted by other schools, UW-Whitewater proved to be the best fit for Luebke.
“I really liked the campus and they had the major I was looking for so that fit, and it was far enough away from home but close enough to drive back if I absolutely needed to get home,” Luebke said. “I guess I’d say that it turned out pretty well.”
What a difference four years can make. As Luebke looks in the mirror, a look of determination peppers the reflection’s muscular physique.
“My hard work in the weight room has paid off significantly since my career has started here at UW-Whitewater,” Luebke said. “It has gotten me to the place where I want to be.”
That place may soon be the podium at outdoor nationals.
