After a banner year, UCLA Boxing is celebrating their first National Champion, Elizabeth Pratt. Elizabeth joined her team as they made history in Nevada earlier this season, winning UCLA's first Regional Championships. Then, Elizabeth went on to make her own history, fighting for a National Championship in the 132 pound division for women. She met a familiar opponent from Regionals, Zasha Sepulveda from the University of Washington, but emerged the victor in a strategic and physical fight.

Given all of Elizabeth's success this season, one might expect that she has years of boxing under her championship belt. A current graduate student at UCLA, Elizabeth let us in on a secret: She had never boxed competitively or trained specifically for fighting before her time with the Bruins! Elizabeth's talents and work ethic stem from international Muay Thai training. While she initially hoped to continue her Muay Thai training at UCLA, Elizabeth found the boxing team and immediately felt welcomed. 

While her own focus and natural talents are undeniable, Elizabeth is quick to praise her coaches and community as pivotal to her success. She notes that rather than focusing on a rivalry, UCLA and USC coaching staffs team up to ensure their athletes are supported. USC coach Ramon Espada and current UCLA coach Tony Gonzalez helped Elizabeth and other athletes hone their skills both throughout the season and in the ring during competitions. Additionally, Elizabeth credits her teammates for their support and motivation. "I owe a lot to my coaches and team. If you put in the hard work together and alone, you really see results. I wouldn't have won that championship without them. Even the UCLA and USC dynamic is unique here. Our coaches and teams cheer for each other," insists Elizabeth. 

Congratulations to Elizabeth and the entire UCLA Boxing community on their unprecedented season! 

Opening image by Saddleburn.