Gloves. Match. Ring.

These may not be the words immediately associated with 9th grader Meagan Massie, but she loves to box in her free time.

“I also do ballet, so people are surprised when they find out I box,” she said. “As soon as you put on the gloves, you feel empowered… It’s exhilarating to feel [that] and know that you are in control.”

When practicing, she trains with her coach. She recalls a moment while training with him where she felt empowered and in control: “I landed a solid punch on his jaw. My coach said let’s not do that next time and he told me to aim for his temples,” Massie said.

The most serious injuries can happen to the jaw.

Luckily, nothing bad happened.

Along with her passion for boxing, Meagan has an extensive background in Martial Arts. She completed 5 years of taekwondo, 1 year of mixed martial arts, and 6 months of kickboxing.

Meagan’s enthusiasm for the sport is unaffected by the opposition she faces with different stereotypes of women.

“People ask me if I beat other girls. I’m still feminine. I’m aggressive in the sport but not outside.” Massie said.

Jab. Weave. Corner.

Massie continues to knock out the competition.