In the Ring and in the Community

Coach Solo’s Mission at Get ’Em Boy Boxing
By Faith Ann Bailey & Dr. David Asbery

On Orchard Street, the rhythmic sound of gloves hitting heavy bags fills the air at Get ’Em Boy Boxing. Inside the gym, Solomon “Coach Solo” Maye moves with purpose, guiding students as they jump rope, shadowbox, and prepare for their next round. For Maye, this gym is more than a place to train — it’s a safe haven and a source of stability for young people in the community. Maye’s passion for mentoring comes from his own experiences. Growing up without steady guidance and facing challenges that led to incarceration as a teenager, he knows firsthand the importance of having someone to look up to. “I want to be the uncle in the community — the mentor — that I never had growing up,” he says.

A Gym with a Purpose
Get ’Em Boy Boxing isn’t just about teaching kids how to throw a punch. It’s about building discipline, focus, and confidence. The gym provides structure and a sense of belonging, especially during after-school hours when young people need it most. Inside the gym, students learn more than boxing techniques. Footwork drills teach focus, bag work channels frustration, and conditioning builds both physical and mental endurance. For many, the gym becomes a second home — a place where they feel supported and encouraged to grow.  Parents often notice the difference. They see their children becoming more confident, more focused, and more engaged in school. Teachers report better behavior and improved emotional stability. For Maye, these small victories mean more than any championship belt.

Mentorship in Action
Coach Solo’s approach is simple but powerful: he combines high expectations with genuine care. He holds his students accountable while offering them the encouragement they need to succeed. Whether it’s helping a student improve their grades or guiding them through personal challenges, Maye is there every step of the way.  Some of his students have gone on to compete in regional and national boxing events, but Maye insists that the real wins happen outside the ring. It’s in the moments when a student chooses the gym over a bad decision, or when a parent shares how their child is thriving.

Building Futures, One Round at a Time
Get ’Em Boy Boxing is more than a gym — it’s a community. It’s a place where young people can find stability, learn life skills, and discover their potential. For Maye, the goal isn’t just to train boxers; it’s to shape futures “I’m not just teaching them how to fight,” Maye says. “I’m teaching them how to fight for themselves, for their future.”

In a small gym on Orchard Street, Coach Solo is making a big impact — one student, one round, and one life at a time.