Inside the ropes with Trista Arnesen

STANHOPE — This summer marks the first time women’s boxing will be held as an Olympic event. In addition to showing the ongoing progression of the sport, this also shows that boxing is no longer a "boys only" club. While Stanhope resident Trista Arnesen may not have immediate plans to embark on a journey to the Olympics, the 28-year-old finds her way to Aces Boxing Club in Boonton six days a week where she laces up the gloves and works diligently at improving her craft. Nearly five years ago Arnesen stepped into a boxing gym for the first time for the sole purpose of purchasing training sessions for her now husband. “While I was there, I was told that they held women’s classes and that the first class was complimentary,” said Trista. “Needless to say, I loved my first boxing workout. I was addicted after that first night, signed up immediately and haven’t looked back since.” What began as a hobby quickly transformed into working towards a goal — Arnesen has her eyes set on making her amateur debut in August under the tutelage of owner and head coach of Aces Boxing Club, Joe Zabry. “I would love to step between the ropes and get my first amateur fight,” said Arnesen. “I’ve been training daily and really try to listen to the advice from Coach Joe and the more experienced boxers and implement it into my training regimen. If I’m able to take on a few fights, I’d love to do it.” Outside of the ring, Arnesen balances a full-time job with her married life. In the fall she will be returning to school to finish her last semester in pursuit of a nursing degree. The genuine and personable demeanor that Arnesen maintains with her fellow boxers is a testament to her character - but once she puts the gloves on it is all business. On several occasions she has proven she is there to get work in, never shying away from a chance to spar with one of her male counterparts. “I love boxing for a lot of reasons,” said Arnesen. “The small club feel, feeling the team environment shared between the other boxers at the gym. I like going in to spar and feeling like ‘one of the guys’ and not just some silly girl trying to do a ‘man’s sport.'” In any sport it's tough for a woman to feel at home when surrounded by a gym full of men, though Arnesen has established herself as a credible fighter with a vicious left hook and unrelenting desire to continue to get better within the squared circle. “Boxing is appealing to me because it is a great cardiovascular workout and I love the sense of accomplishment it gives me,” said Arnesen. “I enjoy being pushed to train harder and in boxing, you can always be training harder.” “I’d have to say that I was extremely lucky to walk into the boxing gym five years ago and meet Coach Joe Zabry,” says Arnesen. “I’ve been lucky enough to be training and working out with him ever since. He’s an incredible coach and an all-around great guy. I love that he pushes me and doesn’t care what the excuse of the day is. He wants his fighters to train harder than anyone else, and he makes sure they do, that’s for sure.” For more information on Aces Boxing Club and updates on Arnesen's career, visit www.acesboxingclub.com.