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Meet the Board
Powerhouse Weightlifting is governed by a Board of Directors responsible for organizational oversight and mission alignment. Board members provide governance, financial stewardship, and accountability to ensure the nonprofit operates in the best interest of its athletes and community.
Sean Broda
President &
Head Coach
Sean brings years of expertise in Olympic weightlifting, youth athletic development, and strength training to athletes of all levels. He has coached a diverse range of individuals, from beginners to national competitors, with a focus on breaking barriers and unlocking potential. Whether on the platform or in life, Sean is dedicated to helping athletes achieve their goals and build strength that lasts.
Sarah Knowlton
Vice President &
Assistant Coach
Sarah is a Health Promotion Specialist for the military. Sarah holds her USA Weightlifting Level 2 certification. She specializes in Olympic weightlifting for youth where she has coached athletes seeking to supplement their sports training and those who have competed on the national stage.
Karina Falkstrom
Athlete Representative
Karina has been a Powerhouse athlete since November of 2024. She placed 3rd at the 2025 Soda City Classic and qualified for the Arnold Classic in 2026, which will be her first national competition.
From 2021-2023, she competed for the University of North Texas softball team while earning her M.S. in Kinesiology with a focus in Sport & Exercise Psychology. As a catcher, she contributed to the program’s first Conference USA tournament championship, an NCAA regional finals appearance, and a No. 22 Division I national ranking.
She also competed for the Pomona-Pitzer softball team, helping lead the program to its winningest season in history and a No. 11 NCAA national ranking. She graduated with a B.A. in Psychology & Spanish minor, along with an All-Conference Team nomination and 2 Athlete of the Week appearances.
River Dressler
Treasurer
River is a Bank Examiner for the SC Board of Financial Institutions. In his role as Treasurer, he will use his experience from auditing state-chartered banks to assist with the financial oversight of Powerhouse Weightlifting. River picked up weightlifting as a freshman in college and has been involved in the sport over since. His weightlifting competition highlights include qualifying for Junior and U25 nationals, placing first in the Carolina WSO Championship in the Junior 96kg class, and being best male lifter at the Soda City Classic.
Emma Madsen
Director of Marketing
Emma recently graduated from the University of South Carolina and is building her career in marketing. Based in Columbia, she works as a Marketing Coordinator while also taking on freelance projects in advertising, marketing, and website design. As the Director of Marketing for Powerhouse Weightlifting, Emma is excited to grow her skills and help the business thrive. She’s passionate about creative marketing strategies and looks forward to seeing Powerhouse Weightlifting reach new heights.
Meet the Staff
Will Edmond
Assistant Coach
Will Edmond is an assistant coach and national-level athlete with Powerhouse Weightlifting. He brings big smiles, high standards, and a practical coaching style. With nearly two decades in the gym and over a decade of multi-sport experience including football, wrestling, and sprinting, his athletic path took him to the Division I level with rugby at Clemson. Strongly influenced by Chinese weightlifting, you can see that influence in both his own lifting and the way he coaches. His goal is to help athletes become confident and resilient on the platform. "Your body is only as strong as your mind. Elite athletes need both."
John Lee Barnett
Assistant Coach
JohnLee is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist with three years of experience in tactical performance settings. He earned a degree in Exercise Science from the University of South Carolina. In addition to his professional work, John is a dedicated weightlifter and artist. He is an active member of his church and is passionate about extending his commitment to service into the broader community.
Cheyenne Godby
Mental Performance
Coach
As a Mental Performance Coach with a Masters in Sport & Performance Psychology, Cheyenne brings a unique blend of expertise to the table. With a proven track record of success in training thousands of Army soldiers and coaching Olympic weightlifters, Cheyenne understands the demands of high-pressure environments. As a certified USA Weightlifting Level 1 coach and an avid weightlifter herself, Cheyenne leverages her own experience to connect with athletes on a deeper level. Her approachability and use of humor fosters a relaxed and supportive learning environment, enabling athletes to unlock their full potential. Cheyenne is passionate about helping individuals and teams achieve peak performance through personalized strategies and a focus on continuous growth.