Recently, dozens of members of Notre Dame’s Women’s Boxing Club gathered for their three-night tournament known as Baraka Bouts. They were not alone. Each night attracted crowds of students from Notre Dame’s residence halls, professors and faculty members offering support for their students in the ring, South Bend locals excited to see the largest annual women’s boxing tournament on the planet, and even out-of-town visitors who came to support their daughter and friends. 

The Holy Cross Mission Center Director Fr. Tom Eckert, C.S.C., mingled with guests—no surprise to those who know him! But his primary role at Baraka Bouts was ministerial: As is tradition, before each bout, he meets with both boxers and gives them a blessing. 

On behalf of all of us at the Mission Center, congratulations to this year’s Baraka Bouts champions. Perhaps even more importantly, thank you to all boxers. As of publication, you have raised more than $65,000 for the new women’s dormitory at Holy Cross Lake View Senior Secondary School, an impressive amount which is being generously matched by the Wolohan Family Foundation, a long-standing partner of both Baraka Bouts and Holy Cross ministries in East Africa. In a country where the per capita GDP is just $1,014, your fundraising efforts go far in making a high-quality Holy Cross education accessible to young women, many of whom would be unable to attend without on-campus housing. Thank you for your efforts this season.

We say a special thanks to Coach Nate Walker and his team, Club President Anna Prest, and Captains Monica Caponigro and Olivia Mancuso who were so instrumental in our partnership this season. Your work and dedication, often behind the scenes, is much appreciated by our office and by the administration, faculty, staff, and students at Lake View. We look forward to supporting the 2025 Baraka Bouts leaders as they build upon the foundation you’ve laid.

* Photos taken by Olivia Guza

Learn more about Baraka Bouts

Published: November 28, 2024

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