Last year, OLMA junior, Julie Njuyen, decided to take up kick boxing as a way to stay in shape and build her endurance for cheerleading and swimming -- a sport she has participated in since Freshmen year. She was new to the sport, but was told that it would be perfect for what she was trying to accomplish. Little did she know that six or so months later, she would qualify as South Jersey's first, young, female, competitive kick boxer.
To say that the sport took her (and everyone around her) by surprise, would be an understatement. "I had no idea I was even good at this until coaches started telling me that I was mastering skills that typically take kick boxers a very long time to get right," said Julie. "It was exciting, though, to realize that this was something I could really be good at."
Julie recently participated in her first competition -- against 25- and 30-year-old men. She lost her first fight, but won her second. "I'm inspired by Rhonda Rousey, an MMA fighter." she said. "While everyone was telling her that she couldn't succeed as an MMA fighter, she was busy doing it and has won against men who are more than double her size."
While Julie's dream is to become a doctor, she's certainly open to letting kick boxing take her as far as she can go. She's also grateful for all the support she is receiving from her OLMA sisters. "When Mrs. Coyle made the announcement, my class went crazy," she said. "Almost a week later, people are still stopping me in the hall to talk about kick boxing or to congratulate me. That means so much."
Julie loves OLMA and says that sisterhood is her favorite part. "It's normal to be nervous when starting a new school, but everyone just has to find their spot," said Julie. I definitely found mine."
Congratulations, Julie! We are proud of you and look forward to seeing you perform -- both in the ring and the swimming pool.
P.S. --
By the way, Julie is interested in starting a self-defense club, so if you're interested, let her know.