Molly Sparkman, owner of Swing State Boxing Club, gives credit to her older sister for introducing her to boxing by dragging her along to a session when they were both young. Molly stuck with it and became a trainer at Multnomah Athletic Club for more than 15 years.
After an accident that required physical rehab sidelined her for a period of time, Sparkman’s husband prompted her to get back into what she loved, so she did, and Swing State Boxing Club was born about three years ago.
The club offers non-contact, boxing bag-type training with periods of other core-building exercises mixed in for a totally custom workout regimen. Classes are geared for the full spectrum of members’ needs: all ages, including youth, parent/child, and seniors, and with varying intensity levels. Class size can range from two to three people when a new class begins, to upwards of twenty for more established classes with a dedicated core group of participants. The classes are supported by Sparkman and six other coaches.
Swing State had been housed in the Hollywood District, but Sparkman was looking for her own independent space to offer more flexibility for building a class schedule around her clientele’s needs. She found what she was looking for in the former location of The Refinery at 4803 NE Fremont St. Renovations were underway in late 2024, including a custom-designed support system for an array of boxing bags for larger class sizes. With better natural light, bright decor, and upbeat music, Sparkman strives to make the boxing experience both fun and challenging. Look for an early January opening for Swing State at the new Fremont location.
John Sandie and wife Kathy relocated from the Midwest in early 2011 to be closer to children and grandchildren in the area. In retirement they pursue their desires to make a difference locally, John by volunteering with BWNA, Kathy with Alameda School. The duo is contentedly busy volunteering and keeping up with grandchildren.