Cecily Basques is the 2016 University National Champion, where she broke the university national record in the C&J with 116 kg in the 63 kilos class. That’s one of the most noticeable accomplishments of her weightlifting career so far, but it’s clear from her story that there’s a whole lot more where that came from.
 
There are plenty of things to like about her background. Small town girl, three sport athlete in high school, college volleyball player who decided to give serious weightlifting a try, recently got her degree and wants to go into education…just a really nice list of life details that make you want to see her succeed. But like most elite weightlifters, she’s had experiences where her body didn’t totally cooperate and injury set her back. She’s currently recovering from some knee trouble, fighting hard, and determined to get back to the top of the national scene.
 
Cecily is one of the top names in a huge wave of female talent that’s poured into Olympic weightlifting in the US in recent years. It remains to be seen which of those names are going to be our future Olympians, but with the fierce support of the people in her life, along with her mental toughness and willpower, Cecily has a terrific shot to be something very special in our sport. Let’s take a look at her life.
 
Tell us about your background. Where are you from, where do you currently live, what’s your occupation, family life, what kind of sports background do you have outside of lifting, etc.
 
I am originally from Calaveras County. I grew up in a small town called Valley Springs. After high school, I moved to Sacramento to play volleyball at a Jr. College and have lived in Sacramento ever since. However, I loved growing up in a small town. Growing up in Valley Springs, sports and athletics were a huge part of my life. I was a competitive dancer and played softball, soccer, basketball, volleyball and gymnastics. As a family of four, we spent a lot of family time traveling for sports, boating, playing games and eating delicious food. I am still really close with friends I grew up with and truly cherish family time.
 
Outside of weightlifting, I have been a full-time student, coach and personal trainer. I just recently earned my single subject teaching credential in Physical Education at California State University of Sacramento. I also earned my BS at CSUS in Recreation, Parks, Tourism and Administration, but was really itching to work with youth in sports and education. My goal is to continue school to earn a Masters and an Administration Credential.
 
Other than work and school, I value family time with my parents, sister, brother-in-law, other family friends and, of course, my boyfriend of five years, Jake. Other than training together, Jake and I enjoy hanging out and exploring with our golden retriever, Denver.
 
Describe your weightlifting history. When/how did you start? Who have your coaches been? What are your proudest accomplishments?

After my first year playing volleyball at Sacramento City College, I began Olympic lifting to supplement volleyball. Little did I know it would become a huge passion! After my second year playing volleyball at SCC, I decided to continue training in Olympic weightlifting at Midtown Strength and Conditioning with Ben Claridad. I went on to be coached by Tom Distasio with my teammate and friend, Mary Peck. I then turned my focus on finishing my degree and went on to joining Delta Weightlifting with Don Ricci. Some of my proudest accomplishments have been both at University Nationals and competing internationally in 2016. At this point, the medals aren’t what I remember; it’s been the feeling of accomplishing a goal on the competition platform that was hard earned. Hitting a 203 total as a 63 at University Nationals and breaking a University American Record clean and jerk of 116 was one of my most memorable accomplishments. I went on to compete at University Worlds in Merida, Yucatan which was altogether an unforgettable experience.
 
Please give a basic description of your training method. Just tell us as much as you can about your program, weekly/yearly planning, etc.
 
The past year has been the toughest year, dealing with a knee injury and finishing my teaching credential, but I have managed to focus on the things I can improve such as upper body and pulling strength. I am currently healing bone bruising on the lateral plateau of my tibia. This is just a long healing process in order to get back to 100 percent health. I have been able to improve movement patterns, improve upper body strength and stability as well as my pulling strength from the floor. I feel like with a bit more time, when I get back into full-time training, I will be at my strongest.
 
The past two months, on top of endless bodybuilding, I have been able to do muscle snatch from hang or blocks, power snatch and power cleans from blocks, push press, power jerks and mostly straight leg pulls from the ground. I do each of these movements at least once a week and base the numbers off feel while trying to progress each week. I’ve really been learning how to be smart coming off an injury and have learned a lot about my body. It makes me eager and excited to be back at 100 percent.
 
Describe some of the obstacles you face, or maybe some things that frustrate you in your weightlifting life. What kinds of changes would you like to see, either personally or with the sport in general?
 
This injury has definitely been by far the biggest obstacle I have had to face. When lifting is the biggest priority in your life and suddenly you can’t do the one thing you truly enjoy working towards, it becomes a mental battle. There were plenty of days when I would go into the gym feeling mentally unmotivated, watching my teammates train while I had to stay at the pull-up bar, doing the not-so-fun part. It just became monotonous and frustrating.
 
Another struggle I face is learning to balance training and recovery time with family and social life. I am very much a social butterfly and like to say yes to every opportunity that comes my way. I have made tough decisions where I had to turn down fun outings or family gatherings for weightlifting and it still makes me feel uneasy and selfish, but it is part of being successful in anything one chooses to dedicate their time to. I am a competitor and know my peak time is within the next couple of years. Family and balance is also really important to me so I will continue to make the best possible decisions to find success in weightlifting while also enhancing my overall quality of life.
 
What are your plans and goals for your weightlifting career? How do you see your future in the sport?
 
I see myself continuing to work toward being the best athlete I can be. I plan to fill out as a 69 and see where my overall strength and dedication can take me. My best training months have been when I am 67/66 kgs before cutting to a 63. I currently sit comfortably at 69 kilos and know I will fill out better and maintain overall health longer in that weight class. I definitely have long term goals but like to focus on the day to day and smaller achievements to take me to where I want to be.
 
Who are some of your major influences, people you look up to, etc.? Who are the people you want to thank for your success?
 
I honestly feel so incredibly blessed every day. I am surrounded by the most loving, and supportive group of friends, family and community that I could ask for. There are so many things that I am thankful for, but some of my greatest influences are my high school coach and teacher, my college volleyball coach, and my parents. While my weightlifting coaches have been, and continue to be a huge inspiration, there have been pivotal moments in my past that have guided me to where I am today. I grew close with my high school volleyball coach/teacher and his family. They guided me all four years in high school to success as a three-sport athlete and helped me realize my goal to play volleyball at the next level. My college coach in volleyball was then a huge inspiration as she pushed me limits like never before. There is a common factor with the people I look up to and it’s the instant connection and relationship you make and things you see in that person that you admire; dedication, passion, love, family, and overall positive vibes.
 
I also can’t thank my parents for their endless support in all my athletic endeavors and education. They are who I love making proud and couldn’t have found as much success, love and happiness in my life without them.
 
You’ve got a lot of great people in your network, Cecily. Good luck getting back from the injury. Our readers at the Performance Menu will be watching for the big things you’re going to do in the future!