NAS Whidbey Island is home for Master-at-Arms Seaman Rhonda McGee, 25, who is the only female to fight for the Navy boxing team and the Armed Forces boxing championships.

McGee became interested in boxing at 16 years old, and she officially took up the sport two years ago.  Her journey to the U.S. Navy boxing team started with a minicamp back last September.  Having to spar various males during the event in San Diego, McGee was notified shortly after that she had made the cut for the All Navy boxing team.  NAS Security gave McGee their full support and approved her chit to attend the events quickly. 

McGee’s first stop was Naval Base Ventura County from Jan. 2 to Feb. 13.  Training Monday through Saturday, her day entailed two hours of cardio work out in the morning, which consisted of six- mile runs or cycling.  The afternoon was spent doing circuit training and focusing on abdominal exercises.  Her evening ended with at least two hours of boxing training.

Coach Steve Carbajal was pleased with the progress McGee made, saying, “She shows a lot of promise and she’s got a great attitude.”

A native of Vacaville, Calif., her mother, father, grandmother and younger sister were able to attend the events and show full support.  McGee fought three fights that lasted two minutes each round.  Her competition was Builder Crystal Renfroe of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5.  Renfroe was a 125-pound fighter and had to lose weight to box McGee who weighed in at the 118-pound weight class.  Renfroe had the hometown advantage while fighting in the Warfield Gym; however, that did not stop McGee from fighting hard in the first round.  In the end, Renfroe landed a couple of punches that caught McGee off guard. 

McGee’s journey continued on to Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas.  She was there from Feb. 13-19 during which time she attended the Armed Forces championships.  McGee fought four fights that lasted two minutes each round.  There were no military females, so she fought a civilian. 

On Feb. 19, McGee returned to NAS Whidbey Island and was greeted by her fans at Security.

“We are all extremely proud of Seaman McGee and her impressive accomplishments in making the All Navy boxing team,” Master-At-Arms Chief Eric Wynn. “I knew this was an opportunity of a lifetime for her and knew of her boxing intentions with the Navy when she checked on board.  She truly represented her Security Department and NAS Whidbey Island in an amazing fashion and we look forward to seeing her in the Olympics one day.”

McGee said her next tournament will be the Fidalgo Boxing Tournament in Anacortes, Wash. 

“If anybody wants to pursue anything, then you should,” McGee said. “Do not let anyone get in your way,” she said.