A high-level athlete, committed entrepreneur, and final-year student in the Grande École Program at Paris School of Business, Thaïs Larché embodies a generation that refuses to choose between passion and ambition. At 24, she successfully balances a professional boxing career, a demanding academic path in Business Engineering, and her role as founder and president of Ensèn, an association dedicated to making sport accessible to all.
Driven by discipline, perseverance, and a strong sense of commitment, she shares her journey, her convictions, and her vision of a balanced path between academic excellence, athletic performance, and social impact.
Introduction
Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
My name is Thaïs Larché, I am 24 years old.
I am a final-year student in the Grande École Program, specializing in Business Engineering at Paris School of Business, and I am completing my apprenticeship at Bouygues.
At the same time, I am a professional boxer and the founder and president of the association Ensèn.
You have been practicing boxing for ten years. How did this passion begin?
I grew up surrounded by sports, as my family is very athletic. I practiced judo for eight years and also did some dance, but I was not aiming for high-level competition at the time. Boxing was love at first sight — I had found my playground. My first coach saw potential in me, and I was determined. That is how the story began.
High-Level Athlete and Association Founder
You have been practicing boxing for ten years. How did this passion begin?
I grew up surrounded by sports, as my family is very athletic. I practiced judo for eight years and also did some dance, but I was not aiming for high-level competition at the time. Boxing was love at first sight — I had found my playground. My first coach saw potential in me, and I was determined. That is how the story began.
You spent six years on the French National Team and will turn professional in 2026. What has this experience brought you, both athletically and personally?
Being part of the French National Team gave me the opportunity to travel and compete against boxers from all over the world, which shaped both my character and my fighting style.
At INSEP, I trained alongside champions from many different disciplines and truly learned what it means to be an athlete. It was a key stage in my career that confirmed my desire to compete at the highest level.
On a personal level, it brought me valuable encounters, learning experiences, and life lessons.
You are also the founder and president of the association Ensèn. Can you explain its mission and what inspired you to create it?
Ensèn (which means “together” in Provençal, reflecting my roots) aims to promote access to sport for everyone, particularly women, children, and people with disabilities. When I realized the positive impact sport had on my life, I wanted to share it with as many people as possible, especially since inequalities in access to sport still exist today.
My parents have always been involved in humanitarian work, which greatly inspired me. I felt it was important to contribute at my own level.
In your opinion, how can sport be a driver of inclusion and a vehicle for transmitting values?
Boxing is a school of life. I learned humility, discipline, and perseverance because I have experienced defeat and had to analyze it and get back to work — just like in everyday life. Boxing has also strengthened my self-confidence, especially by constantly challenging myself and overcoming my fears.
Photo belongs to Raphaël Gomez
Balancing Sport and Studies
After earning a degree in Sports Management (STAPS) at UPEC, why did you decide to pursue a more business-oriented master’s degree at Paris School of Business?
I had spent my entire life in a sports environment and wanted to explore something different. It was also important for me to apply in practice what I was learning in class. A business-focused master’s program combined with an apprenticeship was the right balance for me.
How does Paris School of Business support you in balancing your studies with a high-level sports career?
The School takes my training sessions and competitions into account when planning my schedule and officially justifies absences related to my sporting commitments.
The school also supported you in finding your apprenticeship. How was this support decisive for you?
I benefited from coaching sessions organized by the School, where I was placed in mock interview situations. This helped me feel much more confident during my actual interviews.
How do you manage to balance studies, training, competitions, and your association commitments?
My schedule is very full, and everything has its designated time. It requires organization and discipline. Depending on the time of year, priorities also shift.
Future Goals and Advice to Students
What are your short- and mid-term goals, both athletically and professionally?
Athletically, my goal is to grow in professional boxing, gain experience, and move up in the national rankings. Professionally, I aim to continue developing my skills within my company and gain as much experience and learning as possible for the future.
What message would you like to share with current or future Paris School of Business students who want to combine passion with demanding studies?
I would tell them that anything is possible. It is important to surround yourself with the right people and to dare to ask for adjustments when needed. Every journey is different, and with hard work and passion, it is possible to manage multiple projects at the same time. You should never limit yourself.