New Faces in Boxing at Trinity College
Wes Silverman ’26 and Samara Quintero ’25 are newcomers to the boxing world, having only stepped into the ring for the first time in college. Now, they are both on a quest to secure titles as members of the Trinity College Boxing Club. This week, they will participate in the national championships organized by the National Collegiate Boxing Association (NCBA).
The Journey Begins
Silverman, a biology major, shared, “A friend in high school was really into MMA and kickboxing, so we dabbled before college, but nothing serious. That interest led me to join the Trinity team, where I began training more seriously.”
Unanticipated Passion for Boxing
Quintero, majoring in psychology, initially had no plans to delve into boxing before attending Trinity. “As a child, I loved The Karate Kid and had a fascination with fighting,” she explained. “When I discovered the Boxing Club, I thought it was amazing, but I never expected to compete.”
Aspiring Competitors
Both athletes have thrived in their training, emerging as the only competitors from Trinity to qualify for the 2025 national championships, scheduled from April 10 to 12 at the Lawrenceburg Event Center in Indiana. Their journey throughout NCBA events began in October 2024, and they secured silver medals at the regional championships in Bristol, Connecticut, in March.
Growth Through Adversity
Quintero reflected on the pressure of the upcoming nationals, noting, “I’ve felt this urge to win, but I also realize how far I’ve come. Boxing has taught me mental and physical resilience, helping me overcome self-doubt. It has impacted every aspect of my life; I often think, ‘If I can withstand being hit, I can handle this challenging exam.’ Boxing has made me a better individual.”
Training and Community Impact
The Trinity College Boxing Club trains three times a week at the local Charter Oak Boxing Academy (COBA), which was founded by Johnny Callas. He aims to provide discipline and mentorship to at-risk youth in Hartford through boxing. As Callas emphasizes, “Amateur boxing serves as a teaching metaphor for life, promoting self-discipline, humility, tenacity, and well-being.”
Giving Back to the Community
Active members of the Boxing Club also engage with the community through mentoring. Quintero emphasized, “We have regular tutoring and mentorship sessions with the COBA kids. It’s a privilege to use the gym, and we believe in giving back. I’ve learned a lot from these kids, both inside the gym and beyond.”
Encouraging Participation
The Trinity College Boxing Club is comprised of about 40 active members, with seven or eight competing at higher levels. Beginners are encouraged, with a focus on technique before progressing to sparring. Quintero advocates for wider participation, stating, “I would urge anyone interested in boxing to join us. We are eager to see more girls in the sport.”
Even after graduating, Silverman expressed his passion for boxing, stating, “Winning is addictive. Though it’s not everything, there’s no better feeling than putting in the effort and seeing your hand raised in victory.”
To learn more about the Trinity College Boxing Club, visit here.
