Terri Hicks was born July 25, 1965 and passed away this past Saturday, November 5, 2006. What's important to all of us is not the day she died or how, but the 41 years of her life she lived among us all. As a fighter, Hick's ability to stand "Toe to Toe" while going for any of her Multiple Titles in the sport of Kickboxing was no different than how she took on every challenge in her life... Head on with 100% commitment.

Being a fighter was the side many of us here knew of Terrie and while in the ring, winning was a common thing. However, no win is ever easy for any great fighter and with Terrie it was no different. Each winning challenge came with the price of hard work along with strong persistence and a commitment to winning.

Terri is remembered by many through her performances at the annual IKF Tournaments. Her first trip to the Tournament fell short of the title with a loss to Jennifer Thyssen of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, but that didn't take away her motivation to be a Champion. If anything, it fueled her fire even more. Back again in 2002, she once again fell short of the title, this time by a close split decision loss. It was after this event that we started to see that Terrie was not only not a quitter, but she taught many of us the value and rewards of "Persistence" as well as "Commitment".

Back again in 2003, Hicks "Walked The Walk" all the way to the Title. In her prelim bout she defeated Alindrina Allen of Norcross, Georgia, USA by TKO at 1:30 of round 1. In the Championship bout the following day, Terrie defeated the 2002 Defending Champion, Chrisanne Roseleip of Denver, Colorado, USA to claim the IKF USA National Super Welterweight Title.

At the 2004 IKF North American Championships Terrie "Walked The Walk" again. In her prelim bout on Saturday she defeated Katie Davis of Warrenton, Virginia, USA by unanimous decision. In the Championship bout the following day, Terrie defeated Sharlyn Fellenz of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, USA by unanimous decision to claim the IKF North American Welterweight Title.

The following year at the 2005 IKF North American Championships Terrie started off the Tournament as usual, defeating Katie Davis of Marshall, Virginia, USA in her Saturday Prelim bout. However in the final, she lost tough close bout to undefeated Jamie O'Hare of St. Louis, Missouri, USA by split decision. Once again, Terrie wanted everyone to know, this was not the end for her in the ring.

This past year, at the age of 41, Terrie was once again in the ring and this time it was at the 2006 IKF World Classic Tournament. in her Saturday Prelim bout Terrie defeated Grete Helle of Bergen, Norway by unanimous decision. In her Championship bout on Sunday she defeated previously undefeated Michelle Hurchla of St. Louis, Missouri, USA to not only claim the IKF Woman's Light Welterweight World Classic Title, but to our knowledge, she was the oldest fighter to ever win one of the IKF Tournament titles in the ring.

Terri's talent did not start and stop with the IKF. She had also won the USKBA Amateur World title on October 22, 2005 at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut when she defeated Fatima Hdir. In fact, during her career she had won three other national titles from other sanctioning bodies. Last year she even went to Hungary to fight in a World Championship Tournament there. With over 20 wins in her nearly 30 ring appearances she was a Proven Champion to her Fans & Peers.

When she wasn't fighting, she was a physical therapist and athletic trainer for Sports Medicine Associates in Augusta Georgia, USA. She was a member of Greubel's Mixed Martial Arts in Augusta Georgia. Sadly enough though, what some of you never got to see was Terrie Hicks "The Person". Terrie was not only a hard working fighter, but she was never lacking a smile to anyone. If she was not in the corner as a fighter, she was in the corner to help others achieve the same goals and dreams she had fought for. She was always there to lend a hand when needed as well as offer up some encouraging words to her peers she worked with.

Her wake will be held on Wednesday, November 8th, 2006 in Augusta Georgia at Poteet Funeral home, on Wheeler Road between the hours of 6:PM and 8:PM. Her funeral will be held at Poteet Funeral Home on Thursday, November 9th, 2006 at 12:PM.

There were many who admired Terrie, and "Some" of them have voiced their thoughts below from the IKF Message Board.

"Any of her training partners, or even her opponents would tell you, there was no one that trained as hard as she did, wanted you to do your best beside her, and still wanted to beat you in the end. She was one of the all around nicest people I knew, and would do anything within her power to help you. Her training as a Physical Therapist she gave freely to anyone that needed her, and never charged a cent for her work. She will be mourned, and sorely missed at Greubel's MMA for the person she was, and for the fighting spirit she displayed."
Zack Day

The loss of Terri has yet to really hit me. I'm just stunned. She was so many things to those around her. She was always so compassionate and considerate for others. We spent much time training in multiple gyms, fighting in various tournaments, fighting overseas and I can't ever recall her having a cross word to say about anybody. My wife and children loved her, as did I. She inspired me to train my hardest and fight all comers…just like she did. This is such a difficult loss. She will be missed. My prayers go out to her family and loved ones. God Bless her.
Stevie Dement

"This is very sad news, Terrie will be missed by all that knew her. The world has lost a great person and one hell of a kickboxer. My prayers are with her friends and family, God bless!"
Michael Dean

"Terri had just fought on my card in Virginia Beach as well, and she won with over whelming results. She was always respectful to me and ready to fight on every card I made available if she could have made the trip. I am very saddened by this news. She was a true warrior and nice all around person. My Heart goes out to all of her friends and family and training camp."
Craig Smith