October AOTM: Bud Stadler

"Hello Solcana family!" Bud (he/they) first joined Solcana in 2022, right in the middle of their teaching practicum. It was a stressful time, and they were looking for something that could offer both movement and community. Solcana turned out to be the perfect fit.

“I started attending Trans Strength, and it became one of the best parts of my week,” Bud shares. “I learned that I could commit to myself and also find joy in my trans identity at the same time. Trans Strength is the only time I get to be around other trans people, truly let go, and focus on myself.”

That commitment has carried Bud into some incredible experiences. This year, they competed in the Frost Iron Classic and lifted in Drop Deadlift Gorgeous for the second time—two milestones that remind them just how far they’ve come.

"I have been lucky enough to see Bud in the community, in class and in competition over the last few years. He is diligent and hard working in the gym. He is open and engaging in classes. Watching him lift recently was really inspiring and watching him support his fellow athletes in and out of Solcana is also really inspiring. We're lucky to have Bud in our membership."

-Coach Garrett F.

"I have had the honor of watching Bud learn and grow as a weightlifter and as a human over the last 3.5 years. They are one of the most kind hearted and community oriented people I’ve had the privilege of knowing. As an athlete, I’ve gotten to see Bud get stronger and more technically proficient, especially in powerlifting. Bud has lofty goals (a squat that will instill fear in people!) and also has the tenacity and heart to get after those goals. They are an inspiration to other trans strength athletes and are one of the key folks that supports and encourages the trans strength community. Watching them compete in their recent powerlifting meet was really inspiring for me. I wanna be like Bud when I grow up!!"

-Coach Garrett H.

Outside of Solcana, Bud pours his heart into community in a different way: as a proud parent educator with the Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood. At home, he is the caretaker of two wonderful cats and the partner of a wonderful man who brings joy and peace into his life.

"Bud is such an awesome guy and positive force in the Trans Strength community. They bring a warm and fun energy to every class they're in -- always welcoming to folks, approaching every workout with intention and openness, and never afraid to work hard. Having them in a class will always brighten my day without fail. I've had the great gift of lifting with Bud both as a fellow athlete and as a coach and they inspire me to both push myself in my own lifting and be the best coach I possibly can. All around an awesome human being!! A joy to have in class!!"

-Coach Max H.

Bud is such a warm and kind presence in the gym! I love seeing them in class and at events and he's always so welcoming to everyone he encounters!

-Coach Cate

And the journey isn’t slowing down anytime soon. “In the future, I hope to keep making gains, kicking butt, and becoming a better person each day. Peace and blessings to you all.”

We’re so grateful to have Bud’s strength, spirit, and silliness as part of the Solcana family.