Meet Coach Robbie McKinnie

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Coach Robbie McKinnie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Coach Robbie below.

Coach Robbie, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I didn’t find my purpose overnight- it revealed itself through my own journey of transformation. What started as a journey to lose 100 pounds became a mission to help others find their strength too. Boxing taught me discipline, but mentorship showed me why I was really here. I looked up one day and realized: this wasn’t just about me anymore. It was about who I could help along the way – especially the youth who reminded me of my younger self. I realized my purpose is not to coach. It’s to transform. To pour into people until they believe in themselves again. To stand in the gap for kids and adults alike who just need someone to say, ” I see you. Keep going”. My purpose found me when I started showing up for others in the same way I wish someone would have shown up for me.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am currently focused on growing our nonprofit organization, Counter Punch Youth Academy, where we use non-contact boxing, mentorship and social emotional learning to empower youth inside and outside the ring. What’s most exciting right now is that I’m personally training for a boxing bout- not just for myself, but to show my students what’s possible when you stay committed and believe in your ability to push past limits.

We’re partnering with multiple schools and community organizations to bring this work directly into classrooms, after- school programs, and neighborhoods that need it most. Every day, I get to witness transformation- in confidence, focus, and leadership. That’s what makes this work special.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, the three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey were:

1) Resilience – There were so many moments I could have given up – physically, emotionally, or even financially. But learning how to keep showing up, even when I was unsure or afraid, made all the difference. I didn’t always feel ready, but I stayed committed.

2) Purpose-Driven Passion – I have always had a heart for helping others, especially youth. Once I connected my passion to a bigger purpose- mentorship, empowerment and healing through boxing and movement – it became easier to stay motivated and push through challenges.

3) Adaptability & Learning – From losing 100 pounds to stepping into leadership, to walking into schools as a coach and mentor, I had to keep evolving. Being willing to learn, pivot and grow has kept me moving forward.

Advice for others:
Don’t wait to feel “ready”. Start where you are and let your passion lead the way. Build resilience by doing hard things and showing up consistently. Stay grounded in your “why”, and never stop learning- from mentors, from your mistakes, and from the people you serve. That is how you grow into the leader you are meant to be.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The number one challenge we are facing is transportation and funding to consistently support underserved youth in our program. Many of the students we serve rely on us not only for mentorship and training but also for tutoring, meals, and a safe space to grow. Transportation can be a major barrier- getting youth to and from programming, especially those in underserved neighborhoods, requires resources we’re still working to secure. To overcome this, we are actively applying for grants and seeking donations and partnerships that align with our mission.
Every dollar helps us cover essential needs like transportation, food and academic support, so we can continue showing up for the kids who need us most.

If you like to support, donations are welcome via:

Venmo: @PNBBOXING
Cash App: CPYANASHVILLE
www.counterpunchyouth.org
https://givingmatters.civicore.com/CPYA

Contact Info:

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