Sooke boxer wins U.S. collegiate title, top tournament honour
Published 5:45 am Wednesday, April 15, 2026
A national boxing title won in the U.S. is drawing attention back home in Sooke.
Jill Doucet, a graduate of Edward Milne Community School, captured gold at the National Collegiate Boxing Association (NCBA) championships on April 11 in Charlotte, N.C., while representing the University of Washington.
The 20-year-old also earned the tournament’s Best Female Boxer award.
The NCBA championships bring together top university fighters from across the U.S., including competitors from military academies. Doucet entered the tournament as the top seed from the western region and won both of her bouts by unanimous decision.
“I feel very grateful,” Doucet said. “My goal going into the tournament was to enjoy boxing and have fun.”
Doucet said she focused less on the outcome this year after placing second at nationals in 2025.
“Sometimes you can get caught up in the competitive side,” she said. “I just wanted to enjoy the experience and see what would happen.”
Originally from Sooke, Doucet began boxing at age 12 after being inspired by her mother, Ellen Connor, a coach and founder of the Sooke Boxing Club. She later stepped away from the sport before returning at 17 with a renewed focus.
Now in her third year at the University of Washington, Doucet balances academics with high-level competition, building on the foundation she developed in her hometown.
For Connor, the win reflects both individual effort and community support.
“Coming from a small place like Sooke, this kind of achievement matters,” she said. “It reflects not just on the athlete, but on the community that helped shape her.”
Connor, who travelled to North Carolina for the tournament, said Doucet stood out throughout the competition.
“She just owned the ring,” Connor said. “She knew who she was and what she brought to the table.”
During one bout, Connor said she overheard spectators praising Doucet without knowing their connection.
“They were saying, ‘This girl is incredible,’ and that she was going to win it all,” she said. “I didn’t say anything at first. I just listened. It was surreal.”
Doucet said facing opponents from military academies presented a mental challenge.
“There’s a perception that they’re really tough,” she said. “It was more about overcoming that mentally and staying focused on my own performance.”
Back in Sooke, her success is being seen as a reflection of local sport development and grassroots programs. Connor said the Sooke Boxing Club was founded in 2016 to create a safe and supportive environment for athletes, particularly young women.
“It’s about more than just boxing,” she said. “It’s about building confidence, resilience and learning that you can get back up when life knocks you down.”
Doucet said she remains grounded in her roots despite competing at a higher level.
“I come from Sooke, which is a really small town,” she said. “To be able to go to a big school and compete like this is something I’m really grateful for.”
She plans to graduate this fall and return to Vancouver Island to pursue law school, with the goal of staying involved in boxing by mentoring younger athletes.
“I’d like to help others along their journey,” she said. “Having coaches and mentors who’ve been through it makes a big difference.”
Her win, Connor added, shows what is possible for athletes coming out of small communities.
For young people in Sooke, Doucet’s message is simple:
“You can do anything you put your mind to,” she said. “Just make sure you enjoy what you’re doing.”