Abbeville High's Khandi Shuford signs with Midland University

Abbeville High School senior Khandi Shuford signed on Thursday with Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska, to continue her power lifting career while she pursues a degree in criminal justice.
Shuford, who carries a 3.7 GPA and just won her fourth state championship, chose Midland because of its reputation as a power-lifting school and its proximity to home. Midland’s women’s team has also won the national collegiate title four years in a row.
“Midland is a private university whose main focus is power lifting,” Shuford said. “They have other sports, but power lifting is their thing.
“I like that it’s in Nebraska. I really want to broaden my horizons, and to do that I need to be somewhere else.”
Shuford’s interest in powerlifting began when she was a kid, watching her older brother Chuck compete in high school. The sport consumed her when she began competing five years ago.
“It really started when I’d go watch my brother,” Shuford explained. “At first, I didn’t see myself doing it because all I’d do was sleep in the bleachers. But once I started competing, my love for it just kept growing. Now I don’t ever see myself not doing power lifting. It’s my passion, and my life revolves around it.”
Shuford thanked her parents, Charles and Katreet Shuford, and her longtime coach, Travis Werner, for always believing in her and pushing her to be the best she could be.
“Coach Werner has been with me since I started,” Shuford said. “He has faith in me and sees my potential. My parents weren’t light on me. They kept me disciplined and made sure I stayed on top of things.”
“Khandi has achieved everything a high school powerlifter could possibly achieve,” said Werner. “She was a regional, state, national, and world champion. What I am proudest of is what the titles don’t reveal. She brings good spirit and fierce determination to every workout.
“That attitude is infectious and elevates the lifting of all the girls who train with her. Midland is getting more than just an elite lifter; they are getting a great teammate.”
Shuford will leave for Nebraska in late July or early August.
“I’m excited, and I’m ready,” she exclaimed.