Fencing at Boarding Schools

SevenDad
Tue, 22 Apr 2014 18:32:18 +0000

AFAIK, I’m the only “fencing dad” (not unlike “Dance Moms”?) active on the BS subforum, so I’ll take a stab (hah!) at answering.

The following is based solely on my own due diligence in helping 7D2 put together a list of schools to consider when she applied during the 2013-14 cycle. Take it as a starting point rather than an exhaustive review.

For reference, 7D2 is a rated and nationally ranked fencer. Because of her relatively high level of experience/skill, we only looked at schools that had an official team…schools with “clubs” didn’t make the cut (Emma Willard doesn’t even have a club, but is included due to a special program they have in place that supports students with extracurricular interests).

Culver Academies
In Indiana. Boys’ side is a military academy; girls’ side is modeled in a similar manner. I think the head coach is ex-Notre Dame, which has one of the best D1 fencing programs in the country. They have all three weapons, but for some reason I think of them as more of a saber school (possibly due to military connection). Also, current Princeton sabreuse Desirae Major won the U20 class at JOs when she was a junior at Culver.
http://www.culver.org/athletics-page/girls-sports/fencing/overview

The Hun School
A mostly day school (6th grade through PG) in the Princeton area that has a small boarding program. NJ is a hotbed of high school fencing (for both public and private schools). Hun seems to compete largely against other NJ private schools. They field all 3 weapons in both genders. Head coach is a Princeton grad and former Princeton fencer. In recent years, Hun has had a few national-standout fencers go through their program.
http://www.hunschool.org/student-life/athletics/index.aspx

Lawrenceville
Also in the Princeton area. Fields all 3 weapons in both genders. Has a better track record in recent State competition than Hun. A few recent/current team members were/are national caliber…including at least one international medalist. Current Princeton epeeist Christina Efthimion is a grad. Has separate coaches for all three weapon types. Lawrenceville has Saturday classes and some athletic requirements that make it challenging (but not impossible) for elite fencers to continue to train and compete outside of the school schedule/resources.
http://www.lawrenceville.org/athletics/list/index.aspx

Masters School
A K-12 private school in Westchester, NY that has a boarding program for upper schoolers. The head coach was the captain of the 2012 Olympic fencing team and continues to serve in that role (more of a mentor/guide/liaison to the FIE at international events) for the national teams. Two assistant coaches are both very accomplished, internationally competitive fencers (one is still in the upper echelon of the Senior men’s rankings). Competes in NYC-area scholastic league (ISFL)…perennial championship contender in both individual and team categories. Fields all three weapons in both genders. Proximity to NYC means there are numerous options for supplemental and/or off-season training. Are in the process of building a new multi-purpose building that looks like it will have the best dedicated fencing facility of any high school in the country.
http://mastersny.finalsite.com/page.cfm?p=519

Oregon Episcopal School
This school only recently popped onto my radar. They partner with famed coach Ed Korfanty (who trains two-time Olympic gold medalist Mariel Zagunis) and two other very strong local clubs to offer elite level fencing training. I think if you are an elite saber fencer and want train with Korfanty, this would be the #1 option.
http://www.oes.edu/fencing/

All-Girls Schools with Fencing Teams

Dana Hall
I’ve heard this all-girls school in Wellesley, MA has a great fencing facility and strong coach. Proximity to Boston allows outside training with a choice of strong clubs. At least one national-caliber fencer has gone through program recently.
http://www.danahall.org/athletics/index.aspx

Hockaday
While not discussed that much on the forum, Hockaday has a great reputation in Texas. When I think of Hockaday fencing, I think of the Youngblood sisters, who are currently on the teams at Princeton and Stanford.
http://www.hockaday.org/podium/default.aspx?t=115115

Other schools to consider:

Hackley (5 day boarding only)
Hackley competes in the ISFL, the same league as Masters. I have placed in separate category because it only offers a 5-day boarding program…which limits appeal to non-locals.
http://www.hackleyschool.org/podium/default.aspx?t=115837

Emma Willard
Emma does not have a fencing team, but has had a number of fencers train and compete through high school via their Practicum program…which supports girls who want to pursue interests outside of school (could be athletic, equestrian, music, art, internship/work-study, etc.). Strong local club is sabre-centric, but students can also work with coach from nearby RPI in all weapons.