We just placed Tim’s first Team Gear order—$241 total for 3 t-shirts (because…Tim 😄), a pair of pants, and a hoodie. His coach wants the team to show up to meets looking unified, like a true team, and we love that.
Even with these added costs, we’re still spending far less in this sport than we ever did in the other one. If only we could get back the thousands upon thousands we poured into that—just imagine what we could do with it now!
Here's what the mock ups look like:
Mr. Keller got some amazing shots of Tim on Senior picture day on March 22nd.
The Coach of Vero Beach Weightlifting’s Training Philosophy:
My programming philosophy is built around maximizing performance on the platform through structured, sustainable training.
I prioritize quality over quantity, using a 4-day training model that allows athletes to train hard, recover properly, and consistently progress without relying on excessive volume or frequency.
All programming is driven by measurable variables such as total lifts and average intensity, with volume gradually decreasing as intensity increases toward competition.
I take a phased approach to training - building strength, developing power, and tapering into competition-specific performance.
Rather than relying strictly on percentages, athletes work up to heavy efforts within movements to establish daily limits.
The goal is simple: consistent progress, healthy athletes, and results that show up on the platform - not just in training.
SQUAT DEVELOPMENT PHILOSOPHY
Squats are programmed multiple times per week, with each exposure serving a specific purpose.
Early in the week is the primary strength day, using varied rep ranges and variations to build force output.
Later in the week focuses on speed, posture, and barbell efficiency to improve movement quality.
A third exposure may be used to offset volume or increase intensity depending on the phase.
THE SQUAT DICTATES THE TOTAL
The lifts rise and fall with it, based on the ratios we've identified.
Build the squat, and you raise the ceiling.
Neglect it, and everything stalls.
PROGRAMMING STRUCTURE
3-BLOCK TRAINING CYCLE
Early Block (Strength/Power Base)
Mid Block (Power Development)
Competition Phase (Peaking)
RESULTS
Built. Not recruited.
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Baby Tween Senior |
Tim has grown up entirely too fast💨!
There truly aren’t enough words to capture just how quickly time has flown with this kid. Watching him grow into the young man he is today has been nothing short of incredible. As a mom, I deeply miss the days when he was little—when he’d curl up in my arms, use me as his jungle gym...LOL, and when our days were filled with museum visits and park trips alongside our homeschooling friends. Time doesn’t slow down for anyone, but I’m so thankful we made the most of those moments while we had them.
We’ve cherished every season—and we still are. There’s never been a dull moment. Watching him grow, learn, and step into who he’s becoming has been both a joy and a privilege. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has always been worth it.
With graduation just around the corner and his 18th birthday just days before, we’re stepping into a new chapter. But one thing will never change: our support. We’ll always be right here, cheering him on as he continues to chase his dream of making the USA Weightlifting Team and one day representing our country on the Olympic stage.
I’ve been going through all of Tim’s pictures—from the day he was born until now—and it’s been quite a journey. Sorting through years of memories to choose photos for his yearbook pages, his graduation bio, and the senior slideshow has been both meaningful and overwhelming. On top of that, I’m putting together a graduation video for our family and friends. There’s so much to do, and with only 50 days until graduation, I know the time is going to fly. And just five days before he walks the stage, he’ll turn 18—another milestone to celebrate.
We are beyond proud of the young man Tim has become and all he has accomplished so far. There have been moments when the enemy tried to take him out, but God’s hand has always been on his life—protecting him, guiding him, and shaping him for a purpose. Tim has a calling on his life, and it’s our deepest prayer that he continues to honor God in all he does as he steps into this next chapter and becomes his own man. We pray he seeks God in every decision and stands firm against anything that would pull him away from that path.
We are so thankful that God blessed us with Tim later in life. There was a time I wasn’t sure marriage or children were part of my story, but God had a greater plan. And now, as graduation approaches, we place this incredible gift—our son—back into God’s hands, trusting Him to lead, guide, and direct Tim’s steps in the years ahead.
We know we haven’t been perfect parents, but we have loved Tim deeply—with a love that Father God has for us. He is an amazing young man, and we believe with all our hearts that God has an incredible future waiting for him.
Enjoy these picture collages:
I was able to grab some shots during the pro senior photo shoot today. Tim cleans up sooooo gooood. Here are some of my faves from what I was able to get.
Timothy Scot Neal is the son of Scot and Lisa Neal. Tim has thrived in the flexibility that homeschooling has provided, allowing him to pursue life as an elite athlete with focus and discipline. He trained in TaeKwonDo for 11 years, earning his 3rd-degree black belt along with 53 medals and 10 trophies at competitions.
In 2023, Tim transitioned to Olympic-style weightlifting and quickly found success. He is a multi-time State Champion and, in 2025, earned his first medals at the national level. Highly driven and goal-oriented, Tim also values serving others and has completed 178 hours of community service.
After graduation, Tim plans to work alongside his father while continuing to compete in weightlifting, with the goal of making the USA Weightlifting Team. We are incredibly proud of Tim and look forward to supporting him as he continues to grow as a man (Jeremiah 29:11; Isaiah 40:31).
