The number one reason to give to the American Association for the Improvement of Boxing is our student boxers. Each of their stories is a unique lesson in perseverance and resourcefulness long before they find our application. When we announced this year’s 14 scholarship winners, we promised a better look beyond the names. Here are the first three new biographies on our #BoxingScholars page:
Jacque Ines started her boxing career in 2013 when she tried out for the University of Washington Boxing Team. She is a junior at the university, studying Geographic Information Systems and Diversity. In the past two years, she won the 2014 National Collegiate Boxing Association (NCBA) National Championship, the 2015 NCBA Regional Championship, and 2015 Tacoma Golden Gloves. Jacque is a two-time All-American NCBA boxer and now team captain at UW. She wants to expand the university’s five-year-old program and encourage others it is never too late to get in the ring.
Rosino LeGan started boxing at 13-years-old. His parents would only approve if he kept his grades above a “B.” He admits he only did well in high school to stay in the ring. When Rosino was accepted to Santa Clara University, where he is now a Communications major, he began to understand the importance of an education. “Santa Clara made me a more well-rounded person in addition to giving me the skills for a career once I reach my boxing goals.” Rosino hopes to qualify in the Olympic Trials for 2016 and beyond. “Boxing gave me a discipline and a desire to achieve that I now use in all aspects of my life.
Raul Muniz grew up in Pennsylvania, then moved to Florida his freshman year of high school, where he fell in love with boxing. “Boxing taught me how to look defeat in its eyes and come back even stronger.” Raul is training for his fourth United States Intercollegiate Boxing Championship. A student at Palm Beach State College, Raul plans to transfer to a four-year university and obtain a law degree with a concentration in Sports and Entertainment Law. Throughout his career in the ring, Raul noticed his fellow fighters were often exploited, lacking legal and business expertise. His ultimate goal is to represent and protect the best interests of athletes, particularly boxers.
Support the AAIB #BoxingScholars today.