(April 10, 2008) -- Beneath a mane of long, wavy hair is a sweet face, doing no justice to the hidden strength of this Clarkie freshman.

Teresa Martinez doesn’t need to be armed to be dangerous. She has been boxing for almost two years, for no particular reason but the fun of it.

"I like sports. Put me in any sport and I like it. Boxing was an opportunity, so I just picked it up. The security guard at Roosevelt told me I would be good at it," Martinez said. "Both of my parents are really in love with it. It’s a social thing for them to talk to other parents, and they know it’s not for bad kids. Plus it’s to keep me in shape."

Martinez trains four days a week for two and half hours a day, totaling ten hours a week of practicing. "I don’t do other sports as much any more, it’s been mostly boxing, but before I would do football and security guard at Roosevelt told me I would be good at it," Martinez said. "Both of my parents are really in love with it. It’s a social thing for them to talk to other parents, and they know it’s not for bad kids. Plus it’s basketball," Martinez said.

Martinez was given this opportunity through a national program for youth called P.A.L., Police Athletics League, in which Glendale police officers come together with professional boxing trainers to provide students with a fun after-school activity aimed to keep them active and create a trusting, understanding relationship between youth and law enforcement. At the gym that Martinez attends, one Glendale police sergeant and one professional boxing trainer work with a group of students, ages 5 to 18, of varying experience. The program is free to students.

"It’s not a team or anything," Martinez said. "No experience is required, but if you come in at 18 years old with no experience and want to start up, they won’t let you join."

As for competing, Martinez is looking forward to it. "I do sparring, which is like a real competition, but for practice," Martinez said. "I'll be starting real competetions this year -- soon, hopefully."