Blood, sweat and tears literally go into the upcoming fight night for Baraka Bouts. Looking around the room, I can’t help but wonder why and how I’ve ended up amongst these beautiful, fit women. So many of them have done another sport before coming into the boxing world, and like many Notre Dame students it’s probable that they’ve played more than one sport. Some are balancing their Division I practices with these practices that are open even to mere mortals who do not comfortably fit the sporty jock model.
Each woman has her spot on the team. Walking in after a long day, you can feel the small smiles and head nods of those mentally preparing for the pain that is about to be unleashed. For those on sports teams, I’m sure this camaraderie is normal and almost expected. But for those of us who were the band geeks, the mathletes, and the nerds before college, the quiet strength that radiates through the room is simply impressive. Nowhere else have I ever felt more welcome and challenged.
I will never know the names of all of these fine women in this room and yet they’re family. Together we wake up early for morning practices, wobble out of Mack practices, and run around campus in our crazy outfits for fun run Fridays. Baraka Bouts is more than a sport and our little family includes much more than those girls we see at practice every day.
The Mission
Across the world, there’s a group of girls and boys who are also waking up early and getting in their workout for the day. These young women and men are doing something that everyone at Notre Dame considers a priority: learning.
So often when we think of these children it is in a manner that creates a patronizing air of pity. But these girls and boys don’t need that. The real-life children who strive everyday to gain an education are more B.A. than even the Women’s Boxing Club, and anyone in the club would be quick to tell you just as much. They are intelligent, driven, and hard-working students. Many of them have worked incredibly hard to stay in school and their passion is palpable in their letters to the club. They are incredibly strong.
As I lay awake sore and tired, I think about rolling over and falling back asleep, too weak to go about my day. Yet, I can’t help but think of how much I have been blessed. Baraka Bouts is a blessing.
Ladies, it’s not about being tough or B.A. As one of our captains reminds us frequently, it’s for the children. For information on the Blaze fundraiser that is taking place this Thursday, click here. Come out and support Baraka Bouts and think about joining next year.
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