Katelynn Saldana has been passionate about boxing since ninth grade, a sport she was introduced to by her uncle. What started with some practice with her uncle turned into a serious commitment and a personal outlet for her. Boxing helps her release stress and emotions, making her feel more relaxed and focused.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
Why’d you choose boxing?
The reason behind starting boxing was because my uncle introduced me to the boxing world. He has been teaching me and I want to just carry the same joy that he had. We go to the YMCA and practice there with equipment. I really enjoy it; it’s my way of feeling relaxed. I am able to release stress. Whenever I get overwhelmed from school or whenever I’m feeling sad or angry, I take that anger out with boxing.
What made you interested in this club?
The club is called Church Street Boxing. I’ve always liked how aggressive boxing is. It’s fun, I love watching it, and I even have my favorite idol, Forever, and always Canelo Alvarez.
What have you learned from boxing and this club?
I learned a lot about myself. I learned that I could express myself in a different type of way. It’s my pride and I enjoy the pressure that comes with it. The pressure that my uncle has put on me is a good pressure that makes me want to start competing. The other members and I want to start sparring because a lot of people don’t compete here, so I want to make a change.
How do you handle being an athlete and school?
I love doing this and I look forward to going, especially after school. But it’s really hard when I have a lot of homework and I have to miss practice because of it. I always try to work out, I try to go three times a week and then the days that I don’t go, I try to do as much homework as I can.
