‘Being a Boxing Coach Gave Me Confidence Beyond the Ring’
Inspiring Story by UK Coaching
The second boxing coach to feature in our ‘Women in Coaching’ series is Michelle Dean, from Bradford, who discovered her passion for coaching after volunteering at her local boxing gym. Seven years later, Michelle is seeing the huge benefits of coaching and is determined to inspire other women to give it a try.
Michelle's journey started when she was looking for a coaching role in sport and found The Lion Boxing Gym in Bradford. Michelle quickly became engaged and enthusiastic about the sport, despite having limited experience.
That enthusiasm has never left her, and she continues to coach at The Lion Gym with the same energy she brought on her first day. Along the way, Michelle has seen her confidence grow, both inside and outside the gym.
She helps youngsters who enter the gym feeling shy leave full of confidence, and the impact on her is just as significant.
Coaching has made me want to learn more outside of boxing, I’m more confident with my family and friends now, and it’s given me the belief to push myself forward.”
When Michelle first started securing her qualifications, she was often the only female on the course. This, however, didn’t faze her. She explains: “I attended my Level Two qualification, and I was the only female on the course, but I didn't feel like it was them against me. I saw myself as a coach, just like everyone else, and I was there to learn, grow, and contribute.”
Female boxing coaches are continuing to transform lives throughout their communities, through mentorship, support, and driving personal growth, with stories like Michelle’s providing powerful evidence that coaching can act as a catalyst for wider social impact.
Michelle first got involved to help people grow, and that remains one of her biggest motivations. She admits:
Seeing people grow is what keeps me involved. I want them to learn things and win, but I also want them to gain skills that they can take into the future, away from boxing.”
Michelle hopes other women around the country can follow in her footsteps and experience the same joy and passion she has experienced from coaching.
“I think sometimes you just need to go for it. You're not going to know if it's not for you until you try it.
“Every coach is really supportive. The female section is growing, and because of that, they need female coaches to help women and girls feel like they belong.”
UK Coaching is committed to reversing the decline in female coaches and is continuing to work with partners on further research to develop a deeper understanding of the reasons for the drop-off in female coaches – who made up 38% of the coaching population in 2024, compared to 44% in 2022.
We’re also dedicated to celebrating inspiring coaching stories from every sport, at every level, to shine a light on the unsung heroes who are building stronger clubs, communities, and futures.
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