ABOUT KATHERINE NYHAN
(I have to preface the generous words on this page with A MOUNTAIN OF GRATITUDE that someone so huge in spirit and accomplishment would write this bio for me.)
I met Kat refereeing her third amateur fight. I am an ex-boxer that also came out of King’s, spent years training alongside her then trainer, so by nature of how small the boxing community is, I already had an affection for her right off the bat.
“She was rough around the edges, unrefined, and yet something about her was refreshing, though I couldn’t put my finger on it. ”
I referee boxing from a quiet, principled and passionate place in my heart, I fought amateur fights and care very deeply about the fighters and the sport in my community. Kat struggled in the fight that day, she sort of led with all heart all aggression but couldn’t get her bearings. After the match, and frankly, I can't remember if she won or lost, she came up to me- without saying a word- awkwardly asking me with watery eyes what happened in there. Now know this, my style is NEVER to offer unsolicited advice. I have a pet peeve for "know-it-alls" and people who wear their self-perceived brilliance on their sleeves. I could just tell she was in that place only fighters go; where her life could only begin and end by way of what had just happened inside the ring. I told her the truth about what I saw and said something to the effect of, “You should be proud of yourself for getting in there. Most people will never have the courage to try." Then I saw more clearly what I couldn't put my finger on come to light in front of my eyes.
She was tender. I don't mean that in a corny way, but I mean really, her heart was enormous, and she was truly humbled by that fight, and in total rapture in the cathartic, and violent passion that takes over those of us who've danced, been punched hard, and beat some ass in that square circle. It is an indescribable love affair that you only know if and when you "know."
Years went by and I watched Kat grow in the sport. Rarely do I cross paths, and partake intimately in witnessing the evolution of such a being. She eventually left boxing as a competitor but moved towards a larger, wider, and longer life path as a trainer. She still comes to me with watery eyes asking questions, maybe somehow still looking for someone to explain the rules and help her navigate the game. We talk about building a business and a brand and plot together on effective improvement tactics. Eventually, the chats we'd have would become longer, deeper, more in depth about strategizing self-mastery, organization and management of long and short term goals, living in a growth mindset. I offer the notion that the impact of the service she's offering her clients is truly living in "service" and in alignment with discovering her highest self.
“My mother likes to say ‘that a humble person has a simultaneous awareness of their strengths and weaknesses in every moment.’ My friend Kat works as hard as I’ve seen most at this honorable and beautiful character trait. I’m so grateful to call her a friend and even more proud to see her living in her purpose.”