Women in Coaching: Harriet Brennan

Next up in our series with UKCoaching highlighting some of boxing’s best grassroots female voices, is Oxfordshire-based Harriet Brennan, who has overcome personal struggles and alcoholism to become one of the leading coaches in the local community.

She now offers a safe space for people struggling with the same challenges she once faced as the co-owner of Brennan’s Gym with her husband, Tom, and as the founder of a highly successful online personal training business.

However, the journey to the present day hasn’t been easy. Ten years ago, Harriet struggled with alcohol dependency, which led to her losing her driving licence, falling out of shape, and having to give up boxing – a sport deeply rooted in her family for generations.

At the time, she never thought she would even consider coaching. “I thought ‘why would you spend all your time helping someone else do something that you could do’,” she admits.

But after moving to a new gym, where she met her husband, Harriet discovered a newfound love for the sport she never knew she had. Her husband brought the gym outright, and within five months, Harriet’s life was back on track: she was sober and began inspiring the next generation through coaching. She hasn’t looked back since.

She says: “It gave me some self-worth and importance that I didn’t have before. When you see that, you suddenly realise you can help others.

“I was very proud of myself. It’s been pivotal in my journey to get better and now I feel so grateful.”

After overcoming her struggles with alcohol, Harriet is now helping those who are in the same position she was, acting as a role model and mentor, and drawing on her experience as a boxing coach to continuing transforming lives throughout her community.

Picture courtesy of Neilson Boxing

“Boxing attracts a specific crowd of people and normally they’re battling something, whether it’s confidence, bullying, or addiction. We invite them in for one-on-one sessions and offer them jobs, allowing them to be an integral part of the community. It allows them to feel proud of themselves.”

Harriet leads six evening sessions each week, and due to her growing confidence, she’s been able to take command of the group involving men and boys. “I’ll be the only woman there and every man will do exactly what I ask. They never talk back,” she says.

Coaching acts as a catalyst for wider social impact by helping to improve mental health, build confidence, and create safe spaces where people can grow and develop.

However, data from UK Coaching’s Coaching in the UK Report revealed a concerning decline in the number of female coaches across all levels – from 44% in 2022 to 38% in 2024 – despite women making up 51% of the UK population.

In response, UK Coaching is developing a Gender Impact Strategy to create inclusive and diverse coaching environments, promote equity, and drive systemic change, and is continuing to work with partners on further research to develop a deeper understanding of the reasons for the drop-off.

Harriet, who has seen firsthand how coaching can change lives, has one main piece of advice for women considering starting their coaching journey.

“Believe in yourself – all the things you’re scared of are the things that set you free.”

UK Coaching and England Boxing are dedicated to celebrating inspiring coaching stories from every sport, at every level, to shine a light on the unsung heroes who are building stronger clubs, communities, and futures.