April Sterri started boxing in Grade 4 while living in Belleville, Ont.

She left the sport briefly in Grade 7 before returning mid-way through last season with the Soo Line Boxing Club.

The 17-year-old Weyburn Comprehensive School student has had several influences in her boxing development.

"My dad and uncle Terry Coveney were into boxing," said Sterri. I felt it would be fun, so I gave it a try. It looked like a real challenge and a lot of hard work. Plus, I like sports."

Sterri used to run cross-country and play volleyball with school teams.

"I don't do that anymore," said Sterri. "Boxing takes up a lot of my time and now I don't want to do anything else. Boxing is my Number 1 goal."

Sterri has not fought yet in a card. That is something she would like to change in November, when the Soo Line Boxing Club hosts a card.

Her philosophy on successful boxing is simple. You must eat properly, practise skipping and punching speed, lift weights and do a lot of pushups.

"My uncle Terry has really helped me," Sterri said of the former Soo Line Boxing Club coach. "I keep doing this because it keeps me fit."