Coach Jessie
I opened this gym, with my brother, Joe, in August 2016 with the goal of providing a workout and environment that empowers each woman there. Outside of running the gym, I also do massage therapy. I love boxing, book club, spending time with my family, and learning anything new. I believe that anyone can learn to box, and I desire to challenge and encourage each member.
Coach Joe
I’m Coach Jessie’s business partner and brother. We opened the gym at the end of July 2016, and I love spending time working on how we can use the gym to continually empower the women who step in the gym and the community that surrounds them. In my spare time I enjoy running, lifting, playing basketball, and spending time with my wife. My favorite boxers are Joe Frazier and Roy Jones Jr.
Coach Jenn
Outside of the boxing gym, I am a Social Studies teacher at Champaign Central High School. I’ve been married for 5 years to my husband, Bobby. I’m a proud new mama to a little boy and I’m also a dog mom to my seven year old beagle mix, Whiskey. I’ve been boxing off and on for about 11 years. My favorite punch/combo is a nice strong 3,4 which is why I often end drills with them.
Coach Lauren
I enjoy a variety of physical activities such as hiking, swimming, soccer, and most of all- boxing! I discovered my passion for boxing at CU Women’s Boxing because the gym is such a positive and supportive environment for boxers of all levels. I especially enjoy coaching sparring and watching the boxers improve in their sparring technique from week to week. My favorite boxer of all time is Jack Johnson. Outside of boxing, I work at the University of Illinois and enjoy traveling and spending time with my family.
Coach Kirstin
Hello CUWB members! I joined the boxing gym on the recommendation of my sister years ago, and haven’t looked back. I’ve always been active and into fitness, but there is something so cathartic about hitting something really heavy, really hard! Not only is boxing a great workout, but I absolutely love the positive and supportive atmosphere of the gym. I love push ups and any power punch combo. When I’m not boxing, you can find me with dirt under my nails playing in my garden, or spending time with my family and chasing after my two kids. I work in Research Park and have lived in CU since 2000.
Coach Jeni
Coach Sarah
I’m a homeschooling mom of four girls (ages ranging from 2-11). My favorite place to be is outside, in the veggie garden or on the hammock. I started working out consistently after my 3rd child was born as a way to help combat anxiety and have loved the challenge of a good workout ever since. At home I like to get my cardio in with a fun dance workout. Here at the gym I really love stations and my favorite combos are those with uppercuts.
Coach Carol-Lynn
I am an art teacher at Champaign Central High School. Outside of boxing, I enjoy staying active by running, hiking, yoga, and walking my dog. I’m also an artist focusing mainly on ceramics and painting. I joined the gym in 20178 to change up my fitness routine and relieve some stress and was drawn in because of how strong and empowered I felt after every workout. My favorite combo is a power 3/4.
Coach Emily
I joined CUWB in 2017 and have loved every minute of it! I was never really athletic, but learning to box has made me feel strong and more confident. I came to Urbana to study music at the University of Illinois, so as you can imagine, I take my boxing playlists very seriously. I currently work at the UIUC Graduate College. Outside of boxing, I enjoy reading and knitting and crochet.
Coach Jill
I love running, hiking, reading, taking road trips with my husband, and hanging out on the couch with my dog, Cocoa. I joined CU Women’s Boxing because I needed something to switch up my exercise routine. I found that and so much more! I found a supportive and encouraging community of women, self-confidence, and some great workout tunes. I get stronger every day and have a ton of fun doing it.
Coach Martha
I joined CU Women’s Boxing in 2018 because I was looking for a new challenge. I love this sport because it makes me feel powerful, and because I can feel results happening whether it’s in my skill on the speed bag, the force with which I can punch, or the number of push-ups I can manage to eke out! Outside of the gym, I’m the parent of a nonbinary tween, an LGBT+ rights activist, a gardener, a “slow and steady FINISHES the race” triathlete, and an avid shower and car singer (yes, I will probably sing in class from time to time; no, I’m not sorry). My favorite thing about this gym is the diversity in body sizes. This place proves that anybody with a body can be an athlete; it’s about finding the fun and enjoying yourself!
Coach Paige
I joined the gym in early 2021 during the pandemic to try something new, find a healthy outlet for stress and get to punch a few things along the way. It’s offered an incredible atmosphere of supportive women, high energy exercise with great music. Each class is unique so you never get bored with the workouts. I really enjoy pushing myself, trying to throw punches a little harder and quicker than the last ones. I especially enjoy throwing a fast 2, power 3&4. In my professional career I’m a Talent Acquisition Manager for a Whole Foods distributor and at home you can catch me spending time with my husband and dog on our back porch.
