Grayson County Teen Makes Boxing History at National Junior Olympics

SHERMAN, Texas — A 16-year-old Grayson County boxer made Texoma history this summer when she stepped into the ring at the National Junior Olympics in Wichita, Kansas, becoming the first female boxer from the county to compete at the national level.

Alauna Luper faced the nation's number-one ranked junior boxer in her weight class, losing a close bout in what she described as a defining moment in her young career.

"A couple hours before the fight, I was actually really, really nervous," Luper said. "It was good for me to fight her because I needed to challenge myself."

Luper trains under her father, Andre Luper, who has coached many youth boxers in Grayson County. He said reaching the national stage represents a milestone not just for his daughter but for the entire local boxing community.

"I've trained many, many youth here in Grayson County, and for all the female boxers I ever had, for her to be the one to actually make it to that level — we're so proud of her," Andre Luper said.

Her mother, Nekochia Luper, called the experience "extraordinary" and said witnessing her daughter compete alongside other elite youth athletes striving for greatness was deeply moving.

Luper is already focused on qualifying for the Junior Olympics again next year. "I just plan to work hard for it, train hard, like hard hard, to go and win as much as I can," she said. She will compete in tournaments across the country — from Florida to California — for the remainder of the summer.

Reflecting on what boxing has taught her, Luper offered a philosophy beyond her years: "Boxing is like competing with yourself in the worst moment, but also in that worst moment you find yourself."

Sources

KXII News, June 28, 2026