As a Whittier College music business major, Arika Skoog '15 didn’t plan for a career as a boxer, but that is where she currently finds herself. “Boxing has changed my life. It has become my biggest passion, drive, and focus,” wrote Skoog on her GoFundMe page.
While she did stay fit as an undergraduate— Skoog played Poet lacrosse—it wasn’t until she moved to Boston for graduate school (she earned a master’s degree in international business) that she decided to take a boxing class. It was part of a promotion on Groupon, but she soon realized she was not only good at it, but that she loved the sport.
Skoog began training seriously and even competing locally. She won her first Golden Gloves national title in the 141-pound division in July. She is currently undefeated and has her eyes set on the 2020 Olympics.