Delores punches in the wisdom of life.
You could see life’s lessons and wisdom through Delores Morenos’ eyes. From fighting in the street as a teenager to witnessing a stabbing outside her home, Delores is no stranger to the vitriol side of humanity. But she takes all of those experiences with gloves on and a heart out helping children and her community in the boxing ring.
In a church warehouse turned boxing gym, Delores goes from hosting a group of children then running over for a coach’s meeting to discuss the boxer she trains for the upcoming golden gloves match. She does it with mission and God’s speed knowing that children need discipline, outlets and support in their most vulnerable times.
Her boxing programs also reflect her commitment to her family, their school and the community they live. Whether it’s a need to intervene in a bullying incident or mentoring kids through the boxing sport, Delores instills the fighting spirit as an inspiring spirit.
And the most common I heard in the gym was when you feel you’re at your lowest in the boxing ring, you have to find the strength to keep going. Talking to her teenage students, Leanna and Leslie, you could hear the transformation of their daily lives they experienced through Delores’ program. Leslie’s become more focused as a student and Leanna’s shyness has disappeared to an outgoing young lady.
And these are just two of the hundreds of examples. Just the dozens of the kids who first experienced boxing that day, you could feel the light and fight of confidence Delores inspires. And, Delores plans to keep going at full speed for the near future which means teams of focused and disciplined children becoming greater than themselves for a greater world. From all of us, Delores, thank you for B>U.
We asked Delores about herself and her background and here are her answers.
Describe your background growing up?
“God, Family, Community then Boxing” smiles Delores.
I grew up in the Dove Springs Community. I had a very supportive and close family however they couldn’t take away the pain that I held deep inside of me. I had a tough life growing up due to being sexually abused by an ex family member several times as a child from the age of 5 to 12. I felt angry and ashamed for several years. I had no outlet to turn to therefore I did what was convenient for any teen, I got involved with the street life. I was involved in alcohol, drugs, fighting, run-ins with the law, etc. It was my way to feel strong and in control. I felt that no one could hurt me again. As a young adult, I got involved in an abusive relationship for many years. I know it was my lack of self-confidence and self-esteem that kept me in the relationship for so long. It was the power of my praying mother that kept me safe and eventually got me back into church and turned my life over to God, which changed my life completely.
Why boxing?
Honestly, I loved to fight in the streets. I had so much anger built up inside of me that punching something was a great stress release. When my sisters introduced me to a local boxing gym, Vasquez Academy, I fell in love with the sport. I felt a sense of accomplishment and happiness after a workout.
What have you done with boxing?
I trained off and on since I was 18. I had my kids and raised them and got my life together then went back to the gym to finish what I wanted to do as a teen, compete. I went back to the sport at the age of 34, 2 years after having my son and trained to compete in the Regional Golden Gloves tournament. I didn’t win the match. However I was a winner to myself because I finished something that I set out to do since I was 18. Through my training for the Gloves I taught my kids about discipline, dedication and determination along with finishing what you start. I have seen them apply what they learned from me in their daily life, which makes me so proud.
Tell us about the kids you work with and what drives you to work with them.
The kids I work with are amazing. They all have heart to succeed and that’s a big thing. My drive to work with my kids is that I can see a lot of me in them, they all have different lifestyles but we all connect in the same way and that’s thru the need for the mentorship, family and a positive outlet to release their daily stress. I believe the life I lived gave me experience to be able to connect with our youth today. I don’t want our youth to go thru what I went thru I want them to know they have someone here for them who will listen to them and can relate to them and can help direct them on the right path.
What do you want to achieve through the program?
I want the program to grow and become an outlet for youth all over Austin to come and release their daily stress. I want us to be a ministry and a service to the community. When people think of our gym, I want them to think of not just your average boxing gym but an outreach program/ministry for our community. I teach our kids the value of giving back and helping others because I believe that’s where true happiness comes from.
Favorite mantras or sayings.
My favorite saying is a scripture verse, Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things thru Christ who gives me strength. I have applied this in all areas of my life. Whenever I felt life was too hard on me and I wanted to quit. I would say this to myself over and over and knew that God would get me thru. Theres not anything I can’t do with God by my side.
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What motivates you?
My kids and my gym kids motivate me. They inspire me to do better, be better and live better.
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