• Women's Foil
• Women's Epee
• Women's Sabre
• Men's Foil
• Men's Epee
• Men's Sabre
* Adding more for 2013, with photos
CORY ABBE
BROWN ... Epee ... So. ... Scappoose, OR
... 2-time NCAA qualifier
... #12 seed entering 2012 NCAA Northeast Regional (placed 7th)
.. placed 17th at 2011 NCAAs (after finishing 8th at Northeast Regional)
Birthplace – Portland, OR
Anything notable or unusual about your hometown – Scappoose is a tiny town of about 6,000 people. I’m fairly certain no one from Scappoose has ever fenced and rarely does anyone leave the state for college. I was fortunate to live in a tiny town and own lots of land and horses but still get to drive into Portland for the better school systems.
High School – Oregon Episcopal School (Portland)
College Major – Business, Entrepreneurship and Organizations, in the Technology Track with a focus in Energy and Environment
Favorite college class – Environmental Science in a Changing World. It’s a science-based intro environmental class that really opened my world to environmental science. I learned a lot about the changes humans are causing in our world and was motivated to switch to the environmental business track.
Why did you choose your college? – Brown’s open curriculum was really attractive to me when I was searching for colleges. Other than classes required to complete your concentration, there are no required courses. That is really cool because people are in classes that they really want to be – which enhances the class structure immensely. I also really loved the closeness of the fencing team at Brown, and love the team a lot.
What do you most like about being a student-athlete at your school? – For most sports at Brown, being a student-athlete truly includes both parts of its title: athletics and academics. My coach, teammates and other athletes friends respect my dedication to my major and other extracurriculars. My class friends and dorm friends (mostly non-athletes) are super supportive of my fencing. But the athletic community is fairly tight and it’s something I’ve always loved being a part of.
What would be your dream job? – I let this go a few years ago but being an imagineer for Disney.
Where do you want to be/what do you want to be doing in 10 years? – Either working for a construction company in sustainable design practices or for a green consulting firm.
FENCING BACKGROUND ...
How did you get started in fencing? – When I was in 4th grade, my school wanted to have a yard-sale fundraiser. We had so many donations we did not have a large enough place to host it. My mom’s secretary, Suzanne Marx (wife to Olympic fencer Bob Marx, and sister-in-law to Michael Marx fencing master at the time and a 5-time Olympian) offered the Northwest Fencing Center and its 14,000 square-feet for our use. At the time of the yard sale, my 4th-grade buddies and I got pretty bored and Bob Marx got two of the younger coaches (one of whom was Cody Mattern) to come teach us how to fence. The week I turned 10, the first week of 5th grade, I started going to regular fencing practices at NWFC and never stopped
Family members who have been fencers? – My mom picked up fencing a few years ago since we spent so much time at the fencing center. She now competes in foil and epee at the Veteran NACs.
Current club coaches – At home I fence for the Northwest Fencing Center (NWFC) and am coached by Sebastian Dos Santos and Simon Abram.
Former coaches – My first coach was Michael Marx (5-time Olympic fencer) who I worked with until he left Portland my senior year of high school. I also worked with Darius Wei throughout high school.
Key influences on your fencing career – Michael influenced a lot of how I think about fencing. As one of the captains of the Brown team, I use a lot of the foundation he gave me every day at practice. I am also motivated by my teammates. Freshman year I did not qualify for NCAAs but two people on the Brown team did and various people from my home club did. This was a big motivator sophomore and this year.
ATHLETIC CAREER ...
Areas where you feel you have improved most this season – I have gotten better at protecting my foot, remising and controlling the timing.
Key areas of improvement that remain for you – My attacks and protecting my leg. I also can always improve my mental game.
How would you describe this college season – This was a fairly good season for the team and a great season for me. I fenced really well against most of the smaller schools we fence throughout the year. I fenced fairly well at Ivies but it could have gone better. The frustrating moments of the year for the team were we lost to BC in the NFC 13-14, causing us to tie for first in the NFC and we lost to Yale 13-14 at Ivies. However, we also beat Cornell 14-13, which was the first time we’ve beaten them in four years.
Present/former teammates (HS/club/national teams) who will be fencing in the 2012 NCAAs for other teams – Emily D’Agostino (Duke), Chris Colley (OSU), and Mikayla Varadi (Temple), also Phoebe Caldwell (Princeton) will be there as an alternate). We all fenced together at NWFC for a very long time. I am really close to all four of them but most close to Phoebe, Emily and Chris.
Favorite international/national-team fencer – Ariel DeSmet [won 2011 NCAA m-foil title, with ND] is a various-time US National team member and a friend from home. I have always thought his fencing style was the most beautiful.
Have you ever fenced other weapons on a competitive level? – I fenced foil at the national level as well. I aged off Juniors last year on the point standings and I still enjoy foil when not in the college season.
What do you like most about college fencing? – I was really remotivated when I started fencing for Brown. Fencing for my team is very motivating because the bouts are not just for me. I love being part of an up-and-coming team and helping us improve our results every year.
What would you change about college fencing? – Sometimes I wish NCAAs was more team-based. It is sad that we spend the entire season as a team and then at Regionals it’s very individualized.
Did you play other sports at a high level (during high school)? – I made the varsity track team senior year of high school doing shotput and discus. I had a lot of fun being on a team for my high school and finished 3rd in my district in shotput, which was a lot of fun.
If you were to play another sport on the collegiate level, what would it be? – When the Brown fencing team was undergoing threats of being cut I considered trying out for the throwing team. But I also think if I went back in time I would have really loved lacrosse or basketball.
FAVORITES ...
Favorite college fencing roadtrip – Most of our roadtrips are to Boston which is a nice simple hour drive. But freshman year Ivies were at Cornell and Penn, which were both really long drives. I remember being tired and uncomfortable but we also watched a lot of movies on the bus, which was a lot of fun.
Favorite cities where you have fenced at an event – I went to a world cup in Heidenheim in high school and really enjoyed Germany for the first time. In the U.S., I’ve really liked San Jose, Atlanta and Miami because we’ve been there for Nationals, which means you really get to know the city. Miami was the best because we stayed at a hotel on south beach. I would really love to go back.
Favorite/most memorable fencing moment – There are just a few bouts I can look back on and be amazed that I won. Sometimes everything just comes together and you fence perfectly. I love it when this happens (although it is rare) and am always working to make it happen more often.
Strangest/rarest thing ever seen in a fencing match your college team was competing in – Last year at the Big One, a season-opener event, I was fencing in the final and hit the other girl in the mask so hard her mask bent in on her and made her lip bleed. It was very strange.
Favorite pro sports teams/athletes – I am a HUGE Portland Trail Blazers fan. I love all the players but my favorite is Joel Przybilla. I always been a fan of the defenders because they are very key and don’t get enough recognition. He is a dedicated and team oriented player.
Favorite food – Raspberries, the most amazing things in the world.
Favorite TV Show – I am a huge fan of Big Bang Theory, Modern Family and How I Met Your Mother. They’re all really funny and I normally watch them with friends when I’m on campus which is a lot of fun and a good excuse to hang out with people.
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NICOLE AMELI
NOTRE DAME ... Epee ... Fr. ... Las Vegas, NV
... #5 seed entering 2012 NCAA Midwest Regional (placed 5th)
Nickname – Nik-Nik
Birthplace – Los Angeles
High School – Palo Verde (Las Vegas)
Why did you choose your college? – The community is so friendly, everyone is extremely supportive, and the campus is beautiful.
What do you most like about being a student-athlete at your school? – There is an unbelievable amount of both academic and athletic support. The team, coaches, and team management are also the best I could ask for.
FENCING BACKGROUND ...
How did you get started in fencing? – My brother Kian started when I was about seven years old, and after a year of waiting around and watching him, I decided to try it out. Kian fences epee for Stanford and was an All-American as a freshman two years ago (he also will be competing at the NCAAs this year). My father Sean Ameli took 12th in epee at the 2011 Veteran World Championships, and my mother Cynthia Ameli was third in epee at the 2012 National American Cup in Cincinnati.
Current coaches – former ND head coach Yves Auriol (Fencing Academy of Nevada) and at ND Janusz Bednarski, Gia Kvaratskhelia, Ian Farr/
Key influences on your fencing career – My coach and my family because they are very motivating and always challenge me to improve but always have fun.
ATHLETIC CAREER ...
How would you describe this college season? – The team and coaches immediately made me feel like I was a part of their family. I looked forward to going to practice everyday.
What do you like most about college fencing? –The team dynamics and having teammates that I love, and being able to stay active everyday.
Did you play other sports at a high level (during high school)? – Basketball and track and field
If you were to play another sport on the collegiate level, what would it be? – Basketball or Track and Field
FAVORITES ...
Favorite/most memorable fencing moment – Fencing lefthanded (I’m righthanded) with Ashley Severson at practice.
Favorite food – Watermelon
Favorite TV Shows – Phineas and Ferb, Spongebob Squarepants, Modern Family, and Saturday Night Live
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KATE CAVANAUGH
NORTHWESTERN ... Epee ... Jr. ... Milwaukee, WI
... #4 seed entering 2012 NCAA Midwest Regional (placed 2nd)
... placed 6th at 2010 Midwest Regional, 5th in '11
Birthplace – Milwaukee, WI
Other noteworthy places where your family has lived – My family is from Buenos Aires, Argentina. They immigrated to Wisconsin.
High School – Nicolet (Glendale, WI)
College major – Evolutionary and Developmental Biology
Favorite college class – Developmental Processes and Stem Cells. It’s really interesting to study about the groundbreaking medical research that’s going on right now about cancer and stem cells and the controversy behind them.
Why did you choose your college? – So I could take my laundry back home! It’s a great school and I love the Midwest, so it was a perfect match.
What do you most like about being a student-athlete at your school? – We have a great support system with mentors that really care about how are year is going.
What would be your dream job? – Cancer researcher
Where do you want to be/what do you want to be doing in 10 years? – Somewhere overseas doing scientific research.
FENCING BACKGROUND ...
How did you get started in fencing? – After watching the Princess Bride, I thought it looked like the coolest thing in the world, so I found a club nearby!
Relatives who have competed in college or pro sports – All of my siblings played soccer.
Current coaches (college and club) – Tony Gillham (in Milwaukee), Ed Kaihatsu, and Laurie Schiller
Key influences on your fencing career – Tony Gillham. He’s been coaching me since I was 13. He’s like a father to me and it’s really great that he can still watch me as I go through my collegiate career.
ATHLETIC CAREER ...
Areas where you feel you have improved most this season – My mental game has definitely improved. College has made me grow up from a normal high school fencer to a collegiate athlete. Such a rigorous schedule has toughened me up.
What are key areas of improvement that remain for you? – There are always things to improve on. Even though I’ve improved a lot on my mental game, there are always weak points. I would say consistancy is always a problem and staying focused throughout every tournament (even though it can be draining sometimes)
How would you describe this college season – This is probably been my best collegiate season. I’m very pleased with my results and how I’ve been fencing.
Present/former teammates (HS/club/national teams) who will be fencing in the 2012 NCAAs for other teams – I’m one of the few epee fencers out of Wisconsin! I fenced with Diana Tsinis (Columbia) and Hannah Safford (Princeton) on the U,S, team for the Maccabiah Games in Israel.
What do you like most about college fencing? – There’s a totally different pressure to deal with. The team fencing is so much more exciting! If you drop a bout at a NAC, you can pick it up, but if you drop a bout at a dual meet, you drop it for your entire team.
What would you change about college fencing? – NCAAs... It’s weird to have it centered on 3vs3 the entire season and then change to a completely individual tournament with two fencers from your team.
Did you play other sports at a high level (during high school)? – I played water polo in high school.
How long would you like to continue fencing on a competitive level? – Fencing is more of a lifestyle for me, so I don’t see giving it up anytime soon.
FAVORITES ...
Favorite college fencing roadtrip – New York City is always a fun trip! I love the city
Favorite cities where you have fenced at an event – In Busan, South Korea at the Korean USA Elite Fencing Invitation. It was really cool to see all the american students face the korean students.
Favorite/most memorable fencing moment – Winning Midwest Fencing Conference and seeing my Coach Tony Gillham sitting in the stands and smiling. Afterward he came up to me and gave me a huge hug.
Favorite foods – I’m a huge fan of ethnic food. Korean, Indian.
Favorite TV Shows – LOVE Archer and Arrested Development.
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COURTNEY DUMAS
NORTHWESTERN ... Epee ... Fr. ... Cleveland, OH
... won 2012 NCAA Midwest Regional (entered as #6 seed)
What would be the title of your autobiography? – One Touch at a Time, One Day at a Time.
Birthplace – Cleveland (home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame_
High School – Hathaway Brown School (Shaker Heights, OH)
Favorite College Class – 20th Century History. I am a huge fan of history and learning from the past. From the time I was a young girl, I would watch the History Channel with my father.
Why did you choose your college? – Northwestern was the perfect mix for me. It has the high level of academics that I wanted as well as a fantastic fencing team comprised of girls that really work to make sure you feel 100-percent a part of the team. Northwestern is in a great location right on Lake Michigan and is not too far outside of Chicago. The culture of the school is fantastic and is a great mix of fun and schoolwork.
What do you most like about being a student-athlete at your school? – I love the fact that I am a part of a team and that I get the chance to represent my school on a national level. I thoroughly love that after a hard days work in the classroom I get the opportunity to hit the gym and participate in the sport I love and with a great team.
What would be your dream job? – My dream job would be to go into sports marketing and eventually become a fencing coach one day. Whether I would want to run my own club or become a college coach I am not sure yet, but at the end of the day I want to be around fencing for a long time.
Where do you want to be/what do you want to be doing in 10 years? – I would love to be living in Chicago or New York, hopefully still competing and/or coaching as well.
FENCING BACKGROUND ...
How did you get started in fencing? – My uncle took me to the Junior Olympic fencing competition the year it was held in Cleveland. After watching that event I was hooked. About seven years ago I went to my uncle's old fencing club and participated in a few camps and have been fencing ever since.
Family members/ancestors who have been fencers – uncle Mark Griffin participated on the Junior World foil team and attended and competed at UPenn.
Current coaches (college and club) – Back home: Walter Dragonetti (Hooked on Fencing), at Northwestern Lawrence Schiller and Ed Kaihatsu.
Key influences on your fencing career – My uncle Mark who got me started and encouraged me to go as far as I can in my fencing. My family for supporting me every step of the way in my fencing career. My coach back home, Walter Dragonetti, for always believing in me and pushing me to become the best I can be and teaching me that the best fencing comes from using your brain and most importantly from the heart. And finally, my coaches here at Northwestern for pushing me even further to be the best I can be and teaching me never to doubt my abilities.
Three words that best describe your college coach – Supportive, Enthusiastic, Determined
ATHLETIC CAREER ...
Pre-bout rituals or superstitions – Just to remember to breathe, eat a banana for breakfast (at least one during the pools, and many during DEs), writing a motivational saying on my off-hand (usually "get the next touch" in Italian since Walt is Italian), and finally I check all of my weapons and gear the night before I fence.
Areas where you feel you have improved most this season – My mental game and my footwork.
Key areas of improvement that remain for you – Everyone can always use work on their mental game as well as their footwork. I also believe I could use work on second intentions.
How would you describe this college season? – I believe personally that I have had a great season. There are duals where I feel I failed to compete at the level I know I am capable of and I believe I could also have a better record, but at the end of the day I feel that coming in as a freshman I competed at a very high level and have a lot to be proud of. I believe the Northwestern team also had a great season. As always there were some ups and downs, but the team always stuck together to finish on a fantastic note, just being edged out for first place in the Conference (foil won their weapon) and qualifying five fencers for NCAAs.
From the fencers in the 2012 NCAAs, are there any you have fenced a high number of times? – I have fenced Kat Holmes of Princeton more than any other fencer over my seven-year career. One year I fenced her a minimum of four times throughout the national circuit events. We often have close, hard-fought bouts.
Who is your favorite international/national-team fencer – Sada Jacobson [U.S. Olympian; won NCAA sabre title at Yale] because I feel like she puts in so much effort and heart into fencing and I try my best to do the very same.
What do you like most about college fencing? – I love the team atmosphere. I go back to competing at NACs between dual meets and it is just not the same. The team spirit as well as the support that comes with it is something that I never experienced in high school since my school did not have a team. It is the confidence that not matter what, your team is there for you whenever you need them.
What would you change about college fencing? – I would change the format to be similar to how conference championships are formatted or more like the NYU dquad championships. I would also have separate championships for men and women.
Did you play other sports at a high level (during high school)? – I played basketball, softball and volleyball.
If you were to play another sport on the collegiate level, what would it be? – I would play softbal
How long would you like to continue fencing on a competitive level – I want and hope to continue fencing on a competitive level for the rest of my life.
FAVORITES ...
Favorite college fencing roadtrip – Our trip to Regionals at Cleveland State. I was in my hometown, I won the event (qualifying for NCAAs), and not only did I have my team's support, my family was there as well.
Favorite cities where you have fenced at an event – Dallas, Junior Olympics 2011. This event I fenced very well, had a blast with my mother and friends, and could not have asked for a better tournament. I hit the zone with my fencing and was able to just go out on that strip and fence my heart out. Also my very first national event, Summer Nationals in South Beach, Florida. The 4th of July fireworks on the beach, the great food, and the feeling that this was just the beginning of something new and exciting in my life. I will never forget that first national tournament.
Favorite/most memorable fencing moment – My most memorable moment would have to be the winning touch in the round of 32 to get to the 16 in my first national event in South Beach in under-16. I was tied 14-14 and managed to pull out the win after gutting it out for three periods.
Most embarrassing moment on the fencing strip – When I lost a priority bout in the pools by stepping off the strip by a matter of centimeters in priority.
Favorite pro sports teams/athletes – Cleveland Indians (hometown team) and Derek Jeter (even though he is a Yankee he always carries himself with pride, is respectful, and role model, always working hard to be the best)
Favorite food – Taco
Favorite TV Show and/or Movie – Bones (TV), Miracle (movie)
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MEGAN FLOYD
SACRED HEART ... Epee ... Fr. ... Media, PA
... #15 seed entering 2012 NCAA Northeast Regional (placed 12th)
What would be the title of your autobiography – Remember the Name
Birthplace – Media, PA
High School – Wallingford
Favorite college class – Intro To Media Studies
Why did you choose your college? – Because of the academics and small campus and classes
What do you most like about being a student-athlete at your school? – The people I meet! I love my teammates and I have so many unforgettable memories with all of them.
What would be your dream job? – To work behind the scenes of a radio station or TV news show
FENCING BACKGROUND ...
How did you get started in fencing? – A PE teacher at my school (Pixie Roane) had fencing as part of the curriculum, so I joined the fencing club at my school because I loved that it wasn't a normal sport that I felt confident in.
Current coaches (college and club) – (college) Dr. Tom Vrabel, (club) Pixie Roane
Key influences on your fencing career – Not a person but more fate, there is one moment in my life that made the decision for me of which sport to take more seriously. If fate didn't help, I know my life would've been totally different, and not in a better different.
What are three words that best describe your college coach? – hardworking, stubborn, passionate
ATHLETIC CAREER ...
Pre-bout rituals or superstitions – I always listen to my music, my rap and techno help me get pumped up and focused on the task at hand.
Areas where you feel you have improved most this season – tempo and blade work.
Key areas of improvement that remain for you – to stop lifting my hand, lighter on my feet.
How would you describe this college season? – The season was so fun! This is my first time being on a school team and everyone helped me learning the process while also helping take the pressure off serious bouts.
Have you ever fenced other weapons on a competitive level – I've gone to Summer Nationals and Junior Olympics for epee, foil and sabre
What do you like most about college fencing? – That it's different from just a regular tournament, it's interesting and something that I've rarely done.
Did you play other sports at a high level (during high school)? – I played varsity volleyball throughout my whole high school career. Sometimes I still miss it a lot so I play with friends at school all the time.
If you were to play another sport on the collegiate level, what would it be? – Volleyball.
How long would you like to continue fencing on a competitive level? – As long as possible, I want to stay with fencing, in all the aspects whether its competitive, armoring, or coaching.
FAVORITES ...
Favorite college fencing roadtrip – Penn State, because the whole team hung out and supported one another, that is new to me with a fencing team.
Favorite cities where you have fenced at an event – Atlanta in 2010, because ( did awesome in two events then volunteered armoring.
Favorite/most memorable fencing moment – Winning Div 3 and a finalist in Div 2 Women's epee in 2010 Summer nationals. I finally found my confidence and that I wasnt a bad fencer.
Favorite pro sports team – I am in love with the Phillies, representing my city!!!!
Favorite TV Show – It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
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MARG GUZZI
PENN STATE ... Epee ... Jr. ... Milan, Italy
... 2010 NCAA champion ('11 semifinalist)
... #1 seed entering 2012 NCAA Mid-Atlantic/South Regional (placed 2nd)
... placed second at 2010 Mid-Atlantic/South Regional (3rd in '11)
Nickname – Mongoose, according to my epee coach Viktor Svatenko, as I very quickly move on the strip.
What would be the title of your autobiography? – “Per aspera ad astra”, that in Latin means reaching the stars through a hard path.
Birthplace – Milan, Italy, capital of the Italian fashion and technology. It is famous for many artistic sites as well, such as its Gothic Cathedral, and masterpieces like “The Last Supper” by Leonardo da Vinci.
Other noteworthy places where your family has lived – Before moving to the US, I lived in Genoa, Italy, for three years. This is Cristopher Columbus' hometown and it is a splendid maritime city full of historical sites.
High School – Martin Luther King” (Classical studies) in Genoa, Italy.
College major – Pre-Medicine and Minor in HDFS.
Favorite college class – Organic chemistry and biology, because they are challenging subjects.
What do you most like about being a student-athlete at your school? – I like having the possibility of doing my best both in my classes and in my sport activity with great results.
What would be your dream job? – Becoming a medical doctor, a cardiologist.
Where do you want to be/what do you want to be doing in 10 years? – In a hospital or in a VA Center to take care of suffering people.
FENCING BACKGROUND ...
How did you get started in fencing? – My father suggested me fencing when I was sevven and I started it as a foilist.
Ancestors who have been fencers – My father's cousin, Franco Riccardo, an Italian epeeist, won three gold medals plus a silver at three Olympic Games (1928, 1932, 1936).
Relatives who have competed in college or pro sports – My father used to compete in track and field (100-meter dash) and play tennis.
Current coaches (college and club) – Viktor Svatenko and Emmanuil Kaidanov.
Former coaches – Angelo Mazzoni (Società del Giardino, Milan; 2003-2005), Paolo Zanobini (Società di Scherma Cesare Pompilio, Genoa; 2006-2009).
Key influences on your fencing career – My father for his passionate and honest agonistic spirit and, of course, the example of his cousin Franco Riccardo, the Olympic champion.
Three words that best describe your college coach – Strong, determined and charismatic.
ATHLETIC CAREER ...
Areas where you feel you have improved most this season – Strategy of the bout.
Key areas of improvement that remain for you – As Socrates – a famous Greek philosopher – said, a person never stops learning, so I think all areas can be improved.
Favorite international/national-team fencer – The Italian foilist Giovanna Trillini who won the gold medal at the Olympic Games in Barcelona (1992) despite a broken knee legament. She is a real example of tenacity and courage and I do like her very much as she never boasts.
Have you ever fenced other weapons on a competitive level – Yes, I fenced foil when I was younger and I won three regional championships in Italy.
What do you like most about college fencing – I like the team spirit and the cohesion within the group, with each of us supporting and cheeering the others.
What would you change about college fencing? – I'd like a better distribution of dual meets over the season.
Did you play other sports at a high level (during high school) – 100-meter dash.
If you were to play another sport on the collegiate level, what would it be? –Pole vaulting and swimming.
How long would you like to continue fencing on a competitive level? – At least for 20, 25 years.
FAVORITES ...
Favorite college fencing roadtrip – Philadelphia and NYC, as these cities are particularly charming.
Favorite cities where you have fenced at an event – Boston because it is an old city with an European glamor and Washington DC because I have a lot friends there.
Favorite/most memorable fencing moment – 2010 NCAA Championship in Boston, as I won it as a first-semester freshman.
Favorite pro sports teams/athletes – The Italian motorcycle racer Valentino Rossi as he is a very nice person with a friendly approach to everybody and the Brazilan football player Kaka for he is an open and sincere individual.
Favorite food – Sirloin steak.
Favorite Movie – ”The Patriot” with Mel Gibson and Jason Isaac
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ASHLEY SEVERSON
NOTRE DAME ... Epee ... Fr. ... Franklin Lakes, NJ
... #2 seed entering 2012 NCAA Mid-Atlantic/South Regional (placed 3rd)
Birthplace – Fort Lauderdale, FL
High School – Ramapo (Franklin Lakes, NJ)
Why did you choose your college? – There is a great support system, it has an amazing campus, and it’s a great opportunity to grow academically and athletically.
What do you most like about being a student-athlete at your school? – Everyone is very supportive in helping athletes balance academics and practice and travel. Also the team, coaching, and management are great.
FENCING BACKGROUND ...
How did you get started in fencing? – I heard about it from a family friend when I was 11 and it sounded interesting, so I decided to try it.
Current coaches (college & club) – Aladar Kogler (coach at New York Athletic Club) and Janusz Bednarski, Gia Kvaratskhelia, and Ian Farr (Notre Dame).
Key influences on your fencing career – My parents and coaches because they have always been supportive and motivated me to do the best I can.
ATHLETIC CAREER ...
How would you describe this college season – Everyone was so welcoming and there’s a strong bond amongst the whole team.
What do you like most about college fencing? – Being part of a team that is so motivating and supportive of each other.
FAVORITES ...
Favorite college fencing roadtrip – All of the trips have been really fun, but my favorite was New York City.
Favorite cities where you have fenced at an event – Havana, Barcelona, and Budapest.
Favorite/most memorable fencing moment – Fencing righthanded (I’m lefthanded) with Nik-Nik Ameli at practice
Favorite pro sports team – Yankees
Favorite TV Show & Movie – Despicable Me, Modern Family.