In my role as Outreach Coordinator, the first group I interacted with was Baraka Bouts, a Notre Dame Women’s Boxing Club that fundraises for two Holy Cross schools in Uganda. One week in and still learning all things Holy Cross, I was introduced to the club president, Layann Wardeh. I learned about her experience with Baraka Bouts these last four years and her immersion experience at St. Joseph’s Hill Senior Secondary School in Uganda two summers ago. Over the course of the season, I also got to know the other captains, especially the Missions Captain, Rosie Binette.
Their love and passion for Holy Cross Lake View Senior Secondary School and St. Joseph’s Hill Senior Secondary School were evident through their zeal in leading their club toward their goal of supporting these missions. As I worked out with them every Mission Monday and at some of their fundraising events around Notre Dame’s campus, I admired how much effort all the captains put into leading the women of Baraka Bouts through intense workouts, cultivating sisterhood, and ensuring the Holy Cross education of children in Uganda.
As a first-time attendee, I was impressed with all three nights of the Baraka Bouts Tournament. Despite their busy schedules as full-time students at the University of Notre Dame, the boxers and managers of the club went all out. There was never a dull moment at the venue, the excitement was truly contagious. The cheering and hugs between opponents after each bout made clear to me the commitment of these women to fight not against, but with each other for the students at the missions in Uganda, who are beyond grateful for them.
Thank you to all the Baraka Bouts women who commit their time and effort to the missions!
Provided by Maria Kangapadan, Outreach Coordinator, December 2025
