Strikers Club began in June 2023, founded by Palak Randhawa, Reginaldo Watts, and Rodrigo-Santiago Louvat — three students united by a shared love for boxing and a vision to bring it to UCSB. The idea took shape after a hard-hitting training session with a UCSB alumnus and former coach, whose raw intensity inspired them to think bigger. With no boxing organization on campus, they decided to create one from the ground up.

From the beginning, Palak Randhawa, as club president, took the lead on organizing and maintaining the club’s internal structure. He oversaw day-to-day operations, built the foundational systems for scheduling, and laid out a long-term blueprint that would outlast any single generation of students. Palak managed club logistics, delegated roles to new staff, ensured practices were safe and productive, and upheld a standard of discipline and professionalism that shaped the club's identity.

While Palak focused on structure and leadership, Reginaldo Watts and Rodrigo-Santiago Louvat led the push to connect with the broader student body. They built the club’s initial social media presence, launched early recruitment efforts, and coordinated outreach campaigns to raise awareness and attract new members. Their creative energy helped Strikers build momentum fast and grow into a known presence on campus.

Early practices were small but intense — a few students training hard with shared equipment, focusing on efficient and progressive learning. With safety as a top priority, headgear and mouthguards were emphasized, and all sparring was supervised and structured. This commitment to safety, structure, and student development quickly earned the club a reputation for being serious — and welcoming.

As momentum grew, the Founders gathered a tight-knit team of student leaders. Arun Viji, William Cheng, and Trisha D'Souza stepped in as staff to help train students, manage logistics, oversee finances, and build the foundation of what would become one of Santa Barbara’s fastest-growing combat sports communities. These early efforts created an environment where any student — regardless of background or skill — could learn the art of boxing in a structured, welcoming way.

By early 2024, Strikers officially became a Registered Campus Organization (RCO). The word started to spread. Recruitment campaigns, flyering, and outreach events led to an explosion in membership. What started with a few students turned into packed training sessions, merch drops, and a thriving online community on Discord, where boxers coordinate sessions, get advice, and stay connected daily. As the club grew, so did its opportunities. Students began participating in off-campus events like the Point Boxing sparring tournaments — where Strikers staff often coach and corner students during their matches, even though the club isn't officially affiliated.