(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT — Jan. 7, 2026) — From the wrestling mats of Irvin High School to the world stage of professional boxing, Stephanie Han’s journey is rooted in discipline, resilience, and pride in her El Paso upbringing.
A Northeast El Paso native and proud Irvin High School graduate, Han now serves her community in more ways than one, as a police officer with the El Paso Police Department and as a world boxing champion. Balancing both roles requires unwavering commitment, something Han says she learned early in life.
“I work during the day and train at night,” Han said. “It’s all about discipline, commitment, and staying consistent.”
Han grew up immersed in martial arts, training at her family’s gym under the guidance of her father, a Korean martial arts master. Training alongside her siblings — including sister Jennifer Han, El Paso’s first world boxing champion — was simply a way of life.
“We spent hours in the gym every day,” Han said. “That was normal for us.”
Her passion for competition carried into high school, where Han found her stride in wrestling. At Irvin High School, she became a two-time state champion and made history as the first female wrestling state champion, while also excelling academically as the Salutatorian of her graduating class.
“I loved school, especially high school,” Han said. “That experience showed me that whatever I set my mind to, I could achieve.”
Han credits Irvin High School, and especially the wrestling program, for shaping her mindset. One loss at regionals during her senior year became a defining moment, fueling her determination rather than discouraging her.
“I learned that the greatest revenge is success,” Han said. “That lesson has stayed with me my entire life.”
Now a mother, Han continues to pursue excellence both professionally and athletically. Most recently, Han reached another milestone in her boxing career by successfully defending her World Boxing Association lightweight title against boxing legend Holly Holm, further cementing her place among the sport’s elite. She says the support of the El Paso Police Department has been instrumental in allowing her to chase her boxing career while serving the community she calls home.
Looking back, Han says her connection to Irvin High School runs deeper than achievements alone. It’s a family legacy shared with her siblings, many of whom also graduated from Irvin.
“I’m truly proud to be from El Paso and to be an Irvin High School graduate,” Han said. “Irvin will always be special to us. We’ll always be red, white, and blue.”
As she continues her journey inside and outside the ring, El Paso ISD proudly recognizes Stephanie Han as an example of how dedication, education, and perseverance can open doors far beyond the classroom while keeping service to others at the heart of success.