04/14/2026
"Did you see me?"
Thatโs what I hear as soon as we bow out.
Gloves half off.
Hair stuck to their forehead.
Still breathing hard from that last round on the heavy bag.
Three lines.
Their turn comes.
They step up...
One strong kick.
Bag swings.
Eyes go wide.
In that moment theyโre not thinking about homework.
Or screen time.
Just the feel of the mat.
Their own balance.
And the thought...
"Coach is watching.
I can kick harder now."