For one correctional officer, boxing has been an outlet, providing a way to connect with family, friends and coworkers.
“I would say boxing has done a lot for me,” said Pleasant Valley State Prison Correctional Officer M. Valle. “It’s helped me out as far as stress levels and getting me to a place where I now feel like I can help others.”
For Valle, boxing is more than a sport.
“What motivates me to step in the ring is just the positive vibes it brings,” he explained. “Not only training (and) getting ready for the fight, but (also) getting everyone together for one moment is pretty cool.”
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Stepping into the ring: Motivation, inspiration
His children inspire him to do his best.
“I have two little girls. I want to show them (to) lead by example. Whatever you want to do, you can do, as long as you work hard,” he said.
He said many people have negative impressions of people who work for corrections.
“We are not just what you may see on TV. We are correctional officer and we have a job we have to do,” he said. “But outside of work, we do a lot of positive things for the community. We do a lot of outreach programs, and this is just something to show we’re human.”
Valle said finding an outlet outside of work is important for mental and physical health.
“It doesn’t have to be boxing or combat sports but (people should find) a hobby,” he explained. “I think it’s the most important part of this job is balance. This job is super demanding. I think people definitely need to prioritize their life outside of here and finding that balance with physical fitness as well as their mental wellness.”
For Valle, boxing provides both. It’s also something he hopes to share with those who are less fortunate.
“(I want to do) outreach to our younger youth, people who grew up like me in the inner city with not much,” he said. “That’s my goal for the future.”
Video by Chris Medina, Director, TV Communications Center (specialist)
Story by Don Chaddock, Inside CDCR editor
Office of Public and Employee Communications
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