Gloves Off, Hearts Open: December 2023 Highlights with HSGB

DEAR COMMUNITY,

Oftentimes this part of the year is spent reflecting, resting, and showing gratitude for the people around us and the opportunities we have. Whereas HeadStrong Girls’ Boxing hasn’t been doing much “resting” this season (more on that later), we certainly have been able to do a lot of reflecting  and have felt very thankful over the past months. Most notably, I look back on the past 6 months of 2023 in gratitude because I see so much collaboration and teamwork happening behind the scenes. I think when we were all younger, perhaps the age of the girls we serve, we looked at group projects with disdain and with big groans. Having gotten a little older and wiser, at least in my opinion, I can’t help but be inspired and recharged by all the teamwork I’ve been a part of.

As I prepared for the Olympic Team Trials in Lafayette, Louisiana, I decided to add more members to my support system - a dietitian and sports psychologist. With such a big opportunity coming up, I knew there were certain things I couldn’t do myself. Likewise, Coach Julia, HSGB’s Secretary, and I were able to take a trip to Nashville for National Sparring Day and a 2-day camp led by 2012 Olympic Boxing Coach, Dr. Christy Halbert. I could have figured out my diet on my own or decide to ignore any mindset changes that needed to happen, sure. But would I have gotten as for or as improved as much without the support and guidance of Coach Julia, my teammates, my partner, dietitian, and sports psychologist? Probably not.

In terms of HSGB, it’s rewarding to see everyone on the board, the coaches, and the volunteers communicate with each other about new projects, small wins, and big ideas. We’ve recently welcomed a new board member, Lindsay Hutchens, to our small but mighty organization. She has hit the ground running with her marketing plan and has the structure and expertise to help us reach even more potential participants, coaches, volunteers, and donors.

Her One-Two Punch Campaign has us all working hard to raise more money for our current coaches and to help hire two more. While it would be an unimaginably big undertaking alone, between the entire board and volunteers like Po Pang, we’ve been able to secure a venue, refreshments, and involve our students in the One-Two Punch Event we’ll be holding on 12/12.

Likewise, we have been preparing for our 2023 Silent Auction. Between our Treasurer, Stephanie Barrazza, volunteer Sheeyla Garcia, myself, and all the wonderful donors to the auction, we’re prepared to have our biggest Silent Auction to date.

Whether it’s preparing for a fight or planning a fundraiser, there’s no doubt that teamwork and sharing responsibilities has shown to increase success, and in my opinion morale. I encourage you all as you round out your 2023 to find opportunities to help give your time and expertise to others, and call upon others to help you in your time of need as well. As we are social creatures, we need this togetherness to thrive, and I hope you find this togetherness, in all its forms, this season.

Sincerely,  

Alex Plichta

President