From local gym to global stage
Ciana Nonhphala, an 18-year-old from Providence, began her boxing journey as a teenager with a dream but no clear path. Now, she has 10 national titles and a place on the USA High Performance Team under her belt. She continues to train under Chana Chhoeun, who also happens to be her stepfather. Nonhphala's journey has taken her from local gyms to national competitions, with her eyes set firmly on international recognition.
A natural talent with hard work
Even from the very start, Chhoeun recognized something special in Nonhphala. 'When she threw her first punch, you knew she was going to be something,' he said. Yet, success didn't come easily. Her initial days in the gym were met with resistance, as she told reporters, 'At first, I saw it more like a job. I was like, 'Awww, I don't want to go to the gym, not again.'
But as she began to gain recognition for her talent, her perspective changed. 'Now I just love it,' Nonhphala said. With each title she earned, including Junior Olympic and Silver Gloves honors, she grew more dedicated. That dedication is now fueling her ambitions for the next big challenges ahead.
Gold in Montenegro and beyond
Nonhphala’s upcoming competition in October will take her to Montenegro for the Youth World Championships. This event will serve as a pivotal moment in her boxing career, potentially setting her on the path to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
Despite a recent loss in Thailand, Nonhphala remains confident. 'Time to bring home gold,' she said. Chhoeun, her coach and stepfather, stands behind her potential, stating, 'As long as she keeps her focus and understands the goal, she can be there. No problem. It's all on working hard and understanding the task.'
Anyone who believes they know a worthy Hometown Sports Hero can share their story by emailing sports@wpri.com.