First to 15: The USA Fencing Podcast

Our guest is Alexandra Lee, a sophomore saber fencer at Princeton University and a rising star on the international stage. She recently helped Team USA win a gold medal at the Junior & Cadet World Championships in Wuxi, China — and even brought home an individual silver in women's saber as well. In this episode, we'll dive deep into Alexandra's journey, from standing atop the podium in Wuxi to balancing life as an Ivy League student-athlete, and learn what it takes to succeed in both elite fencing and rigorous academics. --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Today I have the distinct honor of speaking with one of fencing's most impactful figures and someone who's just been a really great person to get to know in my three years with USA Fencing. It's Don Anthony. Donald is not just a world-class fencer who competed for Team USA at two Senior World Championships; he's also a visionary sports executive, an entrepreneur, and a transformational leader. He's served as President and Chair of USA Fencing, a Vice President of the FIE, and now leads The Ohio State University's fencing program as Head Coach.From discovering fencing at age 7 in Cleveland, to studying engineering at Princeton, to earning his MBA from the Wharton School — all while building a career that spans IBM, entrepreneurial ventures, and influential roles in the fencing world — Don's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Today we have a three-part episode for you: we'll explore his fencing journey, how he balances coaching and leadership roles, and the legacy he's building for future generations of fencers at Ohio State.And as we've been doing here in season of our show, we'll end with five quick questions. --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Today we have a very special guest — someone who has remained in the top 16 world rankings for men's foil each year since 2012: Alexander Massialas. We'll talk about three big topics:His own fencing career — how he got started, his Olympic experiences, and what keeps him competing at the highest level.His new role as a collegiate coach — why he chose this path, what it's like to coach at Stanford, and advice for young fencers hoping to fence in college.How he balances it all — competing internationally while also leading one of the country's most prestigious fencing programs.And at the end, we'll wrap up with a fresh round of Quick Hits, where we'll hit Alex with five fast, quirky questions that'll put him on the spot in the best way possible. --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Today we're talking with one of the most exciting young talents in the sport, Jaelyn Liu. At just 15 years old, Jaelyn has already made history by becoming the youngest U.S. Women's Foil fencer to win a senior World Cup gold medal, a feat she accomplished in January in Hong Kong. This win came less than a year after she claimed the cadet world championship title in Riyadh, cementing her status as one of fencing's rising stars.We'll talk about Jaelyn's journey, what it was like to beat some of the best foilists in the world, and her goals for the future. And later, we'll wrap up with our new segment, Quick Hits, where we ask five rapid-fire questions that are quirky, fun and a little thought-provoking. So stick around for that, and let's dive in!Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Welcome to a special First to 15 miniseries: The Golden Touch.The Golden Touch is a First to 15 miniseries exploring the thrilling journey of Team USA as they secured their first-ever gold medal in women's team foil at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Join us as we speak to the athletes, their coaches, and key support staff who made history in one of the most unforgettable Olympic moments for USA Fencing.Today, we're talking with Lauren Scruggs, who made her Olympic debut in Paris and walked away with two medals—a silver in the individual event and gold in the team event.In addition to her Olympic success, Lauren is a standout student-athlete at Harvard University, where she fences under Head Coach Daria Schneider. She's also been part of the incredible Peter Westbrook Foundation legacy, a program that's shaped so many of the sport's top fencers.Today, we'll talk about the path to Paris, her performance on the Olympic stage, anchoring Team USA to that gold medal, and life since Aug. 1. Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Welcome to a special First to 15 miniseries: The Golden Touch.The Golden Touch is a First to 15 miniseries exploring the thrilling journey of Team USA as they secured their first-ever gold medal in women's team foil at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Join us as we speak to the athletes, their coaches, and key support staff who made history in one of the most unforgettable Olympic moments for USA Fencing.In this episode, we're celebrating the unsung heroes who made it all possible: the cadre, or as we like to call them, the “team behind the team.”Joining us are four key members of this incredible group:Dagmara Wozniak, a three-time Olympian and the current U.S. Women's Saber National Team Coach, who served as team captain in Paris.Kate Reisinger, USA Fencing's Chief of Sport Performance and the team leader in Paris.Liz Morey, the team armorer who ensured the athletes' equipment was competition-ready.And Dr. Peggy Chin, USA Fencing's Director of Sport Performance and the primary sports med provider for the team.The guests also gave special shoutouts to the three other cadre members: Kaitlyn Litten, Adam Thompson and Bryan Wendell.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Welcome to a special First to 15 miniseries: The Golden Touch.The Golden Touch is a First to 15 miniseries exploring the thrilling journey of Team USA as they secured their first-ever gold medal in women's team foil at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Join us as we speak to the athletes, their coaches, and key support staff who made history in one of the most unforgettable Olympic moments for USA Fencing.In today's episode, we're speaking with the three Women's Foil training partners who played a pivotal role in Team USA's historic gold medal run at the Paris 2024 Olympics: Zander Rhodes, Katerina Lung, and Stefani Deschner. Let's dive into their unique experiences and how they supported the team to victory. Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Welcome to a special First to 15 miniseries: The Golden Touch.The Golden Touch is a First to 15 miniseries exploring the thrilling journey of Team USA as they secured their first-ever gold medal in women's team foil at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Join us as we speak to the athletes, their coaches, and key support staff who made history in one of the most unforgettable Olympic moments for USA Fencing.Joining us today are the coaches behind that winning effort —  Ralf Bissdorf, head coach of the U.S. Women's Foil team and an Olympic silver medalist with Germany. And Brian Kaneshige, assistant coach for the team and a powerhouse coach and fencer in his own right.We're going to talk about the intense preparation, tactical choices and emotional moments that made this victory possible. Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Welcome to a special First to 15 miniseries: The Golden Touch.The Golden Touch is a First to 15 miniseries exploring the thrilling journey of Team USA as they secured their first-ever gold medal in women's team foil at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Join us as we speak to the athletes, their coaches, and key support staff who made history in one of the most unforgettable Olympic moments for USA Fencing.Today, we have the pleasure of talking with Maia Weintraub, one of Team USA's shining stars in women's foil and a key player in the U.S. team's unforgettable Olympic win in Paris 2024. Maia made history not only by stepping into a high-stakes match as a substitute against Italy but also by coming out on top in both her bouts, contributing to a groundbreaking gold medal for Team USA.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Welcome to a special First to 15 miniseries: The Golden Touch.The Golden Touch is a First to 15 miniseries exploring the thrilling journey of Team USA as they secured their first-ever gold medal in women's team foil at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Join us as we speak to the athletes, their coaches, and key support staff who made history in one of the most unforgettable Olympic moments for USA Fencing.Today, we're chatting with two-time Olympian and 2024 Olympic champion Jackie Dubrovich, one of the four women of Team USA who earned gold in Paris. Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Welcome to a special First to 15 miniseries: The Golden Touch.The Golden Touch is a First to 15 miniseries exploring the thrilling journey of Team USA as they secured their first-ever gold medal in women's team foil at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Join us as we speak to the athletes, their coaches, and key support staff who made history in one of the most unforgettable Olympic moments for USA Fencing.The first installment of our miniseries features Lee Kiefer, who is the most decorated women's foil fencer in US history and won two golds in Paris (individual and team) to go with her individual gold in Tokyo.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

In today's episode, we're thrilled to be joined by Valerie Asher, chair of USA Fencing's Veterans Committee and a standout fencer in her own right. Fresh off a silver medal performance in the Veteran Team Women's Epee event at the 2024 Veteran Fencing World Championships in Dubai, Valerie brings her wealth of experience, insights into veteran fencing, and her passion for growing this important category of the sport.We'll be talking about her journey in fencing, the magic behind Team USA's success in Dubai, and how we can continue to recruit and support veteran fencers.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

In this episode, we're thrilled to be speaking with Tori Isaacson, one of our remarkable parafencers, who is already in Paris gearing up for the Paralympic Games. This fencing journey started in high school, where Tori was captivated by the sport's strategic and fast-paced nature. Despite facing significant challenges after being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Tori has turned to parafencing as a powerful outlet for a natural competitive spirit. In addition to being a dedicated athlete, Tori is also a doctor of occupational therapy, specializing in outpatient hand therapy. In this conversation, we chat with Tori about the experience in Paris so far, competition preparation, and what it means to be part of Team USA.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Our guest is Dr. Jasmine Brewster Piper! Dr. Jasmine is a highly skilled sports chiropractor who has dedicated her career to helping athletes perform at their best, especially those in adaptive sports. With a deep understanding of biomechanics and injury prevention, she's currently working closely with USA Fencing's Paralympians as they prepare for the Paris Paralympic Games. We're excited to learn more about her role, her approach to athlete care, and her insights on staying competition ready.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Jataya's journey to the Paralympics is one of resilience, determination and incredible spirit. A former Marine, Jataya faced significant challenges after sustaining serious injuries during her service, which eventually led to the amputation of her left leg. But that didn't stop her. Encouraged by another military veteran, she discovered fencing and has since become a dedicated competitor in both epee and foil. As she prepares to compete in her first Paralympic Games, we're going to chat about Jataya's story, her training regimen, and what it means to represent Team USA on the world stage.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

This special episode features three remarkable high school students: Nikhil Khanna, Theodore Tikhomirov, and Alex Wolfe.Nikhil Khanna is a 10th-grade student from Texas who began fencing at the age of 9. He has achieved impressive national results and co-founded Fencing for a Purpose to introduce more people to the sport and provide opportunities for children with disabilities.Theodore Tikhomirov, from Chicago, started fencing at 8 years old and has also seen considerable success in national and regional competitions. He is passionate about making fencing accessible and helping fencers who lack resources to compete.Alex Wolfe, originally from Tampa and now residing in Maryland, began fencing epee at 9. With a strong commitment to community service, Alex co-founded Fencing for a Purpose to raise awareness about fencing and make the sport more inclusive.Let's hear their story and learn more about their journey and vision for the future.Fencing for a Purpose websiteVisit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

We're thrilled to be interviewing Dan Berke, the brilliant mind behind Fencing Time Live — a tool that has become indispensable in the world of fencing.In this episode, Dan will take us on an insightful journey through Fencing Time Live, revealing the untold story behind this powerful system. We'll delve into its functionalities, discuss how it revolutionizes tournament planning, and give you a rare peek behind the scenes of this ubiquitous tool that every fencer relies on but few truly understand: Scheduling.Watch the video version of this episode.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Our guest is Anne Cebula, an epee fencer who has recently qualified for the Olympic Games Paris 2024.Anne's journey from first watching fencing at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing to becoming a national champion and now an Olympian in the sport is nothing short of inspirational. She's navigated the competitive landscape of fencing with grace, strategy and an unwavering love for the sport.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episodeFollow Anne on InstagramNBCOlympics.com story on AnneBarnard Magazine piece on Anne --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

In this episode, recording live at the April NAC, we welcome Mitchell Saron, a Team USA men's saber athlete, recent Harvard graduate and newly minted member of Team USA for the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Mitchell has turned his childhood dream into an Olympic pursuit. He's also taken an unusual and strategic approach to his diet and training. So let's ask him about the routines that keep him at the top of his game and explore the Harvard connection that seems to be a hallmark of success in men's saber.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episodeFollow Mitchell on Instagram --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Our guest is Eli Dershwitz, the 2023 World Champion who became the first American man to clinch the title in men's saber at Senior Worlds. He also had a legendary college career, with four Ivy League and two NCAA championships under his belt. And now, he's on the path to his third Olympic appearance.EPISODE NOTESVisit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episodeFollow Eli on Instagram --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episodeFollow Elizabeth on Instagram --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

In this episode, we're joined by Margherita Guzzi Vincenti — a World Cup gold medalist, a dedicated coach at Notre Dame, and now an Olympic qualifier for Paris 2024.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episodeFollow Margherita on Instagram --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Courtney's journey through the world of fencing spans over two decades, showcasing her resilience, skill, and passion for the sport. From her collegiate days at Notre Dame, to her recent coaching role at the University of the Incarnate Word. So much in between Courtney's story is inspiring, it's a story of dedication and success. Today, we're going to talk about that career, and her adventures on and off the strip, and then what life looks like through the eyes of an Olympic medalist. Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episodeFollow Courtney on Instagram --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Our guest is Nick Itkin OLY, fresh off his win at the Absolute Fencing Gear Foil Grand Prix in Washington, D.C.!Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episodeFollow Nick on Instagram --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Our guest is Brandon Rochelle, Tournament Committee chair, to talk about the process of running a tournament, how he got into this role, and what people might be interested to know about the behind-the-scenes magic behind USA Fencing tournaments.Recorded LIVE at the 2024 Junior Olympics.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Welcome to a special live episode of "First to 15," the official podcast of USA Fencing. We're recording this live in front of an audience at the Junior Olympics in Charlotte. Today we have an exciting topic for discussion: "The Importance of Women's Fencing — Why You Should Keep Fencing in College."Let's get started.We're joined by three exceptional individuals from the world of collegiate fencing: Jennie Salmon, Head Fencing Coach at Temple University; Christine Griffith, Assistant Saber Coach at the Air Force Academy; and Megumi Oishi, a sophomore Saber Fencer at Northwestern University. Each of these women brings a wealth of experience and insight into the world of fencing, and we can't wait to dive into this discussion.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

With a career spanning over several decades, Nathan has left an indelible mark on the fencing world. He started fencing at the age of 15 and has since accumulated more than 30 national medals across all three weapons, including 8 National Gold medals, and has been a 2x National Champion. His accomplishments extend to the international stage, where he was part of the 2014 Pan American Championship-winning team and a 2023 World Team member. I actually got to see him fencer down there in Daytona Beach this past October.Beyond his personal achievements, Nathan has been instrumental in nurturing talent at all levels. He has coached National Medalists in every age group in USA Fencing and guided athletes to National Championships in Foil, Epee, and Saber. His expertise has also led to success on the world stage, coaching individual and team world champions.In today's episode, we'll explore Nathan's journey in fencing, his vision for the sport, and his unique approach to coaching and mentoring.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

With more than two decades of fencing experience, Mary Sola Spohn has earned multiple national medals and an NCAA Division I fencing scholarship to Northwestern University. Her journey extends beyond the strip, as she's made a significant mark in the world of stunt acting and fight choreography. Mary's expertise in on-screen swords and fencing, paired with her knowledge in various martial arts, including boxing and Filipino Martial Arts, has made her a sought-after trainer for A-List celebrities, Academy Award winners, Olympic athletes, and young stars. Check out Swordplay LAVisit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Today, we're chatting with a young saber fencer whose name is already gaining recognition within the fencing community. We're talking about Jenna Shoman, and at just 17 years old, Jenna's achievements are already the stuff of fencing lore. From the Manhattan Fencing Center to the global stage, her dedication to the sport is something to behold. Who could forget the moment at the 2022 Summer Nationals in Minneapolis when Jenna achieved a perfect pool — a staggering 30 touches for and not a single one against?Jenna is a member of the 2023 Junior and Cadet World Team and claimed a bronze medal in Cadet Women's Saber at Junior and Cadet Worlds in Plovdiv, Bulgaria.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

David is not only a former NCAA athlete and an experienced coach, but he's also a key figure behind the scenes. If you've competed at a national tournament, you've probably seen him at the Satellite Bout Committee near the finals strip — often wearing a neon yellow polo. He's a strategic mind in USA Fencing's Tournament and SEMI Committees, an international referee, and a visionary in integrating technology with fencing. His contributions span from local clubs to the global stage, including the Olympics.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

In this episode, we're exceptionally excited to welcome Jess Davis, a modern pentathlete and epee fencer who trains at the New York Athletic Club.At the Pan American Games In October in Santiago, Chile, Jess qualified for the 2024 Olympic Games in the sport of modern pentathlon, which combines equestrian jumping, fencing, swimming, and the laser run — which is a combo of running and pistol shooting.Jess is the reigning national champion in both modern pentathlon and Division I-A Women's Epee. She got that fencing title this past summer in Phoenix, winning a number of exciting 14-14 bouts on her way to the crown.We're excited to welcome this a seven-time world team member and two-time national pentathlon champion to the podcast.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episodeFollow Jess on Instagram  --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

We're thrilled to have Nathan Jeon as our guest.Nathan is a multi-talented individual in the fencing world, known not only for his skills as a three-weapon fencing referee specializing in foil but also for his notable journey as a fencer and academic. Starting his fencing journey at a young age, Nathan quickly ascended through regional and national rankings, competing both nationally and internationally, and later collegiately at UC San Diego. His dedication to the sport took a turn toward refereeing, where he started nationally in 2018 and recently received his FIE License in Foil. Currently a Ph.D. student at Columbia University, Nathan balances his academic pursuits with a deep involvement in fencing, both as a referee and a fencer at the New York Athletic Club. In this episode, we dive into his experiences, insights, and the passion that drives him in the world of fencing.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Today's guest is as sharp on the strip as she is in the classroom. At just 19, she has already left her mark on the fencing world and shows no signs of stopping.We're joined by Tierna Oxenreider, an epee fencer from Columbus, Ohio, who has dedicated 12 years to mastering the art of fencing. She not only represents the prestigious Columbia University and the New York Athletic Club but also recently added a silver medal to her collection from the 2023 Junior and Cadet Worlds in Bulgaria.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episodeFollow Tierna on Instagram--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Our guest is not only a force on the fencing strip but also a force for change in the community of fencing itself. Nzingha Prescod is a 2-time Olympian, World Champion, and 4-time Senior World Medalist. But that's not all — the Columbia University graduate is also the Founder & CEO of The Prescod Institute for Sport, Teamwork and Education, better known as PISTE. Through PISTE, she's been breaking down barriers and making fencing accessible to hundreds of kids in under-resourced communities. On top of all that, she serves on the Board of Directors of USA Fencing and is a member of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee's Council on Social and Racial JusticeVisit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episodeFollow Nzingha on Instagram--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

We're joined by Julie Seal, a 15-time Individual National Champion, a 2022 Veteran World Champion in Saber, and a two-time Pan American Team Bronze Medalist. She's also a mother of five incredible children — all of whom fence — and even has a son-in-law who fences and referees as well.And if that's not enough, she's gearing up to compete in the 2023 FIE Veteran Fencing World Championships in Daytona Beach, Florida, starting Oct. 11!Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Our guest is Akhi Spencer-El, a USA Fencing Hall of Famer and Team USA's national weapons coach for men's saber. Appointed in January 2022, Akhi made history as USA Fencing's first Black national coach.But his accomplishments go far beyond that important milestone. His résumé is teeming with accolades: three-time junior saber national champion, two-time senior saber national champion, former world No. 1 in junior saber, and a 2000 Olympian. He's also an experienced mentor, having coached at the Pan American Games, Columbia University, and the 2016 Olympics in Rio, where he guided a team that included Ibtihaj Muhammad.This summer at the 2023 FIE Fencing World Championships, Akhi and the men's saber team achieved their best-ever finish, capturing an individual gold medal for Eli Dershwitz and a team bronze for the U.S.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

In this episode, we welcome back to the podcast Supriya Nair, a 14-year-old foil and epee fencer from Redmond, Wash., who fences with the Rain City Fencing Center.  When we last spoke to Supriya about a year ago, she had just received an award for her groundbreaking experiment, Neurofencing, which explored the importance of pre-bout warm-ups through a neuroscientific lens. Now, we're catching up with Supriya to see how her research has evolved and what new insights she has for us.If you missed our first conversation with Supriya last year, you might want to consider listening to Episode 8 to hear how this all got started. But to catch you up, Supriya had always heard from her coaches that pre-bout warmups were important, but wondered if there was any quantitative data to prove it. So she set out to investigate this for herself — using special equipment to test that hypothesis. The result was an award-winning experiment she calls Neurofencing.Now she's back with even more data and insights. Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episodeBackyard Brains article on neurofencing--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Today's guest is a true difference-maker in the fencing world — someone who has not only made impressive strides in the sport but is using her passion to break barriers and make fencing accessible to all. Meet Emersyn Runions, a 16-year-old A-rated epee fencer who has been honing her skills for the past 7 years at a number of different clubs, including her current club — the Pegasus Sword Academy in Dallas, Texas. Emersyn is a two-time All American and All Academic First Team member and a member of the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 Cadet National Team. Beyond her phenomenal fencing achievements, Emersyn has poured her heart into community service. She has worked with multiple organizations like Best Buddies, Kidnetic Games, Special Olympics, Friday Nite Friends and more.What sets her apart? Emersyn recently planned, developed and executed a 6-week adapted fencing camp for children with cerebral palsy. A part of her Girl Scout Gold Award project, which she called "Fencing for All," she's made it her mission to bring fencing to children of all physical abilities and hopes to introduce fencing into the Special Olympics one day. Let's learn more about this inspiring young woman's journey, her work, and her vision for the future of fencing. Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

In this episode of First to 15, we're joined by Maggie Dull. Maggie is an integral part of our fencing community, serving as one of the chairs of the Bout Committee at USA Fencing national tournaments, including right here at Summer Nationals. But Maggie's contribution to the sport stretches far beyond the Bout Committee alone.Starting her fencing journey as a walk-on for Vassar College's varsity team in her senior year, Maggie quickly found her niche in the organizational side of the sport. She has served in roles from Oregon Division secretary to managing local and regional tournaments for the Maryland Division and several clubs. Since 2013, she has been a key figure in the National Bout Committee, stepping up as chair in 2014.But that's not all. Maggie currently holds positions on USA Fencing's Tournament Committee, serves as the chair of the Black Card Review Group, and reads for the annual Absolute Fencing Gear All-American Team scholarship essays. She also leads the Western New York Division as their division chair.Outside of fencing, Maggie brings her organizational prowess to the academic world, currently serving as the Director of Metadata Strategies and Interim Director of Digital Initiatives at the University of Rochester's River Campus Libraries. Come July 17, she'll step into a new role as Interim Assistant Dean of Scholarly Curation and Resources. In addition to all this, she also lectures for the University of Maryland's Master of Library and Information Science program.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

In this episode of First to 15, we're joined by Matt Tucker, a referee and soon-to-be veteran fencer from Boston who specializes in saber and foil but referees all three weapons.Matt started refereeing nationally in 2016 and moved up the refereeing ranks quickly. He's now an early career FIE ref.On top of all that, he's a Data Scientist for Amazon's Alexa organization and married to a fellow national-level fencing referee, Bern Samko. We're excited to chat with Matt Tucker today about his fencing journey, his ascent as a national and then international referee and his thoughts about the role technology might play in our sport in the future.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

In this episode, we're thrilled to be talking with none other than Jackie Dubrovich, 2020 Tokyo Olympian and a standout star in women's foil. Jackie, hailing from the New Jersey Fencing Alliance, is a seasoned competitor in the world of fencing and is currently ranked 17th in the world in women's foil.We're recording this live at Summer Nationals in Phoenix, where Jackie and her women's foil teammates are doing a training camp in part to prepare for the World Championships in Milan, Italy.This will be Jackie's fourth Senior World Team, but her impressive track record goes back more than a decade — including three team silver medals and one gold at the Junior/Cadet World Championships, a team bronze at the 2019 Senior World Championships, and a team silver at the 2022 Senior World Championships in Cairo.Follow Jackie on InstagramVisit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

Today we're diving into the mental side of the sport, focusing on a common yet often overlooked struggle: impostor syndrome.We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Lisa Orbe-Austin, a licensed psychologist and renowned executive coach, who's made tremendous strides in tackling impostor syndrome, diversity, equity and inclusion, and effective communication within various organizations and educational institutions.The author of two insightful books, 'Own Your Greatness' and 'Your Unstoppable Greatness,' she's an expert in overcoming impostor syndrome and navigating toxic or unsupportive work cultures.In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Orbe-Austin also brings a unique perspective to our discussion today - she's a parent to two budding fencers. Let's delve into her rich professional insights and her firsthand experiences from the fencing world. Visit Dr. Orbe-Austin's siteVisit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

In this episode of First to 15, we're joined by Megumi Oishi, a student-athlete at Northwestern University, founder of The Athlete Narrative, and an advocate for body positivity in fencing and beyond. Megumi has been fencing for 10 years, is a 16-time national medalist, a one-time international medalist, and was one of just 24 fencers who qualified for the NCAA Championships in women's saber where she became an All-American. She's the Saber Newcomer of the Year awardee from the U.S. Fencing Coaches Association and her team's MVP with the most regular-season wins. On top of all this, she's making waves through her research and advocacy work around athlete body negativity.Read Megumi's essayVisit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

In this episode of First to 15, we're joined by Georgina Love, a foil and epee fencer from Central Florida. Georgina, who is fondly known as George, recently showcased her tenacity at the North American Cup in St. Louis in April 2023, where she won gold medals in both the Vet-60 Women's Foil and the Vet-60 Women's Epee events. In a thrilling final foil bout, George turned an early 5-0 deficit into a 10-9 victory, triumphing over the reigning World Champion.George's journey to the pinnacle of the fencing world has been anything but conventional. Her passion for the sport was ignited in 2001 when she discovered a local rec center fencing class in Fort Pierce, Florida. For seven years, she honed her skills there until the program was shuttered. However, her dedication to the sport remained unscathed, and she kept pushing her boundaries, competing in tournaments and embracing the thrill of competition.In 2015, she took over her local fencing club, ensuring the survival of the sport in her area, and around seven years ago, she began training with Coach Daniel Bucur in Melbourne, Florida. This partnership has led her to new heights in the fencing world, deepening her understanding and enjoyment of the sport.Apart from being a fencer, George is a woman of many talents. She's an oil painter who teaches classes, a horse rider, and a museum worker who installs exhibits. In this episode, we're going to delve into the multifaceted life and career of this extraordinary fencer.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn 

In this episode of First to 15, we're joined by Ralf Bissdorf, the Women's Foil National Coach for Team USA!Ralf is a two-time Olympian with Team Germany, a silver medalist at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and spent more than 500 days ranked as the No. 1 men's foil fencer in the world.  In 2001, he was awarded the Silver Laurel of the Federal Republic of Germany — the highest award for a sportsperson in Germany.Then he shifted to coaching and has been just as successful there — considered by many to be a mastermind in the coaching field.  We'll be talking about his journey, his goals for Team USA and his insights into the sport.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

In this episode of First to 15, we're joined by Daria Schneider, head coach of the women's and men's fencing programs at Harvard University. Schneider took the helm at Harvard in 2019 and immediately led the Crimson to a men's Ivy League championship in her first season.  Before Harvard, she was the head coach at Cornell and assistant coach at Columbia.  And before coaching, Schneider was, as you might guess, a successful saber fencer in her own right. She was the 2007 NCAA champion at Columbia, the 2011 national champion and a two-time bronze medalist at the Senior World Championships.  Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

In this episode of First to 15, we're joined by Arya Chavan, a 13-year-old saber fencer with the Zeta Fencing club of Ashland, Massachusetts, who has already achieved junior national points and won a silver medal in her first cadet team event.  Get ready to be inspired as we discuss her journey, challenges, and aspirations in fencing, as well as her dedication to her education and other interests.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

In this episode of First to 15, we're joined by Zach Moss, who has been the head coach of the Northwestern fencing program since 2016. Under his leadership, the Wildcats have achieved national recognition and consistent success, including a program-best third place finish at the NCAA Championships in 2021.  In this conversation, we dive into the world of collegiate fencing and learn more about Coach Moss's journey and his insights on coaching and the sport of fencing.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

In this episode of First to 15, we're joined by Ana Irene Delgado, a member of the Executive Committee of the FIE, the International Fencing Federation.Delgado hails from Panama and has fenced for the Central American nation at FIE World Cups as well as the Central American and Caribbean Games.Among her many volunteer roles, Delgado leads the working group known as “Fencing for the Planet.” Her passions include protecting the environment, empowering women and expanding access to sports.She's also a Panamanian lawyer, diplomat and politician and was the youngest Panamanian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and Iceland.We chat with Delgado about her fencing journey, how fencing differs in Latin America and the genesis of the "Fencing for the Planet" program.

In this episode of First to 15, we're joined by Philippe Bennett, a veteran foil fencer and member of the Fencers Club in New York — a storied fencing club located right next to the Empire State Building. He's been a member there for nearly 50 years and currently serves as its Chair. He has represented Team USA at the Veteran World Championship six times, at the Pan American Veteran Championship three times and has won medals in Vet events at North American Cups too many times to count.In addition to being an active fencer and an intellectual property litigation lawyer, Philippe started the company Radical Fencing to help our sport benefit from new technologies. In this conversation, we talk about all that and more with Philippe. Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn

In this episode of First to 15, we're joined by Aleks Ochocki, Team USA's women's saber national coach.Before taking the reins of our talented women's saber program, Aleks was the assistant saber coach at Notre Dame, where he coached multiple team and individual NCAA champions.  Aleks is also the head coach and founder of the Advance Fencing and Fitness Academy in New Jersey.  And we haven't even talked about his career as a fencer. As an athlete, Aleks won a national title in every age group starting from Youth-12 all the way through seniors.  He's a proud Nittany Lion, having graduated from Penn State, where he won the NCAA Individual Saber Championship in 2009 and 2012.  In this conversation, we ask Aleks about his career so far, his advice for saber fencers and where he sees our women's saber program going in the next several years.Visit the USA Fencing websiteFollow USA Fencing on InstagramRead a transcript for this episode--First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn