Tracy grew up on Flint’s north side and attended Hamady Elementary, Hamady Jr. High abnd Hamady Senior High School. After graduating from high school, Tracy attended Grand Valley State University from 1982-1986, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.
Tracy is following in the footsteps of her family members. Her father Joe was inducted for boxing and coaching; her mother was inducted for being one of the first African American female professional trainers (ring side). Her brother Joe Jr. was inducted for multiple sports, brother Ronnie for boxing and her sister Laurie was inducted for basketball.
The Byrd family has a rich history in the Flint community. Tracy has added to that history with all of her accomplishments in sports.
In basketball at Hamady High, Tracy made honorable mention All-State and Genesee Eight Conference First Team All-Conference. In track and field at Hamady in 1979, Tracy set a school record in the 800 meters, 1600 meters and the 1600-meter relay. At Grand Valley State University, Tracy currently holds the single season assist record.
Tracy has a ten-year professional boxing career from 1996-2006. She began her boxing career as an amateur with no boxing experience. She began boxing professionally at the age of 32 and retired at the age of 42.
Tracy’s boxing titles include: 8-2-97: International Female Boxer Association (IFBA) World Lightweight Boxing Champion, 1997: Female Boxer of the Year 11-3-98: International Women’s Boxing Federation (IWBF) International Lightweight Boxing Champion 3-22-03: Women’s International Boxers Organization (WIBO) World Junior Welterweight Boxing Champion.
