(A version of this article will appear in the February 2025 issue of Military Officer, a magazine available to all MOAA Premium and Life members. Learn more about the magazine here; learn more about joining MOAA here.)

Capt. Stephanie Simon, USMCR, attended the U.S. Naval Academy because she knew she would get a “world-class education while simultaneously serving the nation.”

What she didn’t expect was to fall in love with the sport of boxing while there.

“I began boxing as a freshman because boxing was a requirement,” she said. “I grew to love the sport by accident.”

She went on to compete for the academy, winning three national collegiate championships — the first female at the academy to do so.

She received her commission in 2017 and made history again when she became one of the Corps’ first female amphibious assault officers.

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But during her time in the active Marine Corps, she said she always had a feeling that she should keep boxing and competing.

“I felt like what I did at the academy wasn't enough.”

In 2020, she became a member of the Marine Corps boxing team. During her two years on the team, she became team captain, won two National Golden Gloves titles, one USA national title, was inducted into the U.S. Marine Corps Boxing Hall of Fame, and became a member of Team USA Boxing.

She transitioned into the reserves in May 2022 and went on to win two more national titles and the Olympic trials.

“Once that opportunity [to box for the Marine Corps] was no longer available, I felt it was time to become a reservist so I could focus on fighting full time,” Simon said. “Being a reservist has given me the time to fully commit to the professional athlete lifestyle.”

Today, she is a professional boxer with a record of 1-0 and serves as recruiting assistant officer with Recruiting Station Los Angeles. Her next match is scheduled for Feb. 8 at The Commerce Casino & Hotel in Los Angeles.

Simon hopes her experience sets a positive example for others.

“I hope my service and story has inspired women to become more brave and to feel less alone in male-dominated spaces,” she said. “I hope women who have been intimidated to box or even join the military can look at my story and find some inspiration to get out of their comfort zones and face their fears. If I can do it, so can you. Hopefully, my service will pave the way for many women in the future.”