The GVSU Boxing Club athletes come together to train and prepare for competitions, displaying their dedication and spirit.
The Grand Valley State University co-ed boxing club excelled at the USIBA Championship in Macon, Georgia, achieving significant victories including two individual titles. Rebekah DeBoer and Jason Murray clinched championship titles, marking historic moments for the club, while other team members showcased their dedication and talent. The boxing club, known for its strong sense of community and excellent coaching, aims to build on this success by promoting female participation and preparing for future competitions.
Big news coming from Allendale, Michigan! The Grand Valley State University (GVSU) co-ed boxing club has made quite the splash at the recent United States Intercollegiate Boxing Association (USIBA) Championship held in Macon, Georgia. The event took place from March 27 to March 29, 2025, and saw universities from across the nation compete for glory in the boxing ring. With a squad of eight fighters made up of six men and two women, the Lakers were ready to tackle the competition head-on.
The highlight of the competition was undoubtedly Rebekah DeBoer, who clinched the championship title in the 132-pound beginner class. This victory wasn’t just a win for DeBoer; it marked a monumental moment for the university as she, alongside teammate Samantha Swafford, made history by being the first female Lakers to place in a national championship. Meanwhile, GVSU’s Jason Murray truly impressed everyone by capturing the champion title in the 225-pound novice class. With these two championship wins, GVSU’s boxing club now proudly boasts a total of nine championship belts!
Joining in on the celebrations were the talented runners-up of the competition. Both Samantha Swafford and sophomore Tanner “TJ” Gardner, along with teammate Lucas Malloy, earned medals for their commendable efforts in their respective classes. While not all competitors walked away with a championship title, their hard work truly reflected the dedication and spirit of the team.
In 2024 alone, GVSU boxed with nine athletes, winning an impressive 16 matches, leaving two competitors as champion runner-ups, and bringing home three championship belts. The bar was set high for 2025 as the Lakers set out to retain more fighters, encourage increased female participation, and aim for additional championship belts and USIBA team awards.
The feeling of camaraderie among team members resonates throughout the club, as highlighted by Tanner Gardner. He emphasized the close-knit family ambiance that characterizes their training sessions. While it was tough for freshmen Maxwell Gohsman and junior Ashton Kamps who faced defeats, they were met with massive applause for their undying determination in the ring. Gohsman, despite the loss, learned a crucial lesson: the importance of staying calm and composed during a bout. It’s clear that the boxing club isn’t just about winning; it’s about personal growth and fostering a supportive environment for all members.
The GVSU boxing club is renowned for its dedication to both recreational sparring and competitive training. With coaches who bring significant experience to the table—having trained world champions and Olympians—the team is committed to improving skills while having fun along the way. The coaches work diligently with each member to refine their techniques and build their confidence, making sure every fighter is ready to face their opponents.
As the Grand Valley State University boxing club continues to thrive and expand its horizons in the competitive boxing world, the blend of triumphant moments and heartfelt camaraderie ensures that this team is destined for greatness. With new champions in the making and a strong support network, the future definitely looks bright for the Lakers, and they are more than ready to take on the challenges ahead!
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