Bella Haydt
College courses are not the only heavy lift in Isabella (Bella) Haydt’s life. In addition to being a full-time student Funeral Services Administration major, she’s a national championship powerlifter.
College courses are not the only heavy lift in Isabella (Bella) Haydt’s life. In addition to being a full-time student Funeral Services Administration major, she’s a national championship powerlifter.
“I have been competing in powerlifting for about four years now,” she said. “I hold over 15 State records and multiple national records in my division.”
In September, she competed in the USA Powerlifting Raw Nationals in Salt Lake City, Utah, against some of the best athletes in the sport. “After squatting 391 pounds, benching 225 pounds, and deadlifting 396 pounds, I placed first overall in my division,” she said. “I won my second national competition, making me a two-time USA Powerlifting Teen National Champion.”
Bella is a second-year student in the four-year program who transferred to SUNY Canton from community college. “I chose SUNY Canton for its unique location and for its Funeral Service Administration program,” she said. “I enjoy helping people through some of the hardest times in life.”
She said her favorite class is Study of Funerals Past and Present with Assistant Professor Darien Cain. She also appreciates Funeral Services Administration Director David Penepent’s kind-hearted nature and open-door policy.
Bella plans to prepare to sit for her National Board Exam immediately after graduating in May 2027. “I will then serve my year of residency and hopefully one day own my own business,” she said.
She is currently in training for her next competition and can often be found lifting weights at the Roos House gym when she’s not in class. Her college routine is clearly working out.