• Women's Foil
• Women's Epee
• Women's Sabre
• Men's Foil
• Men's Epee
• Men's Sabre
CLICK HERE for CF360 exclusive 2011 video interview with Duke's Becca Ward (3-tiime NCAA women's sabre champ), after clicking to video page, scroll down to select links (2-part video interview)
CLICK HERE for excerpts from 2009 NCAA semifinal & final women's sabre bouts (featuring Becca Ward of Duke and Caroline Vloka from Harvard), courtesy CF360
* Adding more for 2013, with photos
MONICA AKSAMIT
PENN STATE ... Sabre ... Sr. ... Matawan, NJ
... 2-time All-American (5th at 2009 NCAAs, 7th in '11)
... #11 seed entering 2012 NCAA Mid-Atlantic/South Regional (placed 3rd)
... runner-up at NCAA Mid-Atlantic/South Regional in 2009 & '11
Nickname – Monmons
Birthplace – New York City
Anything notable or unusual about your hometown – Matawan, NJ, is actually the town where the shark attacks happened that inspired the movie Jaws.
Other noteworthy places where your family has lived – Poland. I lived there for a few years when I was younger, about 4-5 years. I lived there with my grandparents while my parents remained here in the USA. However, I still went there every summer since I was about seven until high school.
High School – Matawan
College major – Kinesiology
Favorite college class – It's definitely not very easy to pick because I've definitely enjoyed a good deal of them for various reasons, but I guess if I had to choose, I'd have to pick my Sociology class which was Race Relations. It was very eye0opening and it helped me see things from a different perspective. Not only did we have two weekly lectures, we also had a mandatory discussion group where we were essentially allowed to discuss whatever we wanted. We didn't have to stick to the class topic. This was nice because these were people that I would probably never interact with because of my already made friends, classes, and hobbies. It's certainly a class I never had any issue of attending.
Why did you choose your college? – It was the perfect combination of athletics, academics and social life. I used to come to fencing camps here all of the time and when I was 14 I bought myself a Penn State sweatshirt, and every time I wore it I encountered someone that either graduated from there or had a family member that did. It made me feel proud to wear the sweatshirt. Not to mention, the campus is beyond beautiful. I can't imagine going to any other school.
What do you most like about being a student-athlete at your school? – There's a lot of amazing things about being a student-athlete at Penn State, but if I had to pick, I'd say that the support is the best part. Not only are you supported in athletics by your coaches, but also by the academic staff as well. Professors also don't make a big deal out of missed class for competitions. When we're in season we miss a ton of class because of NACs, world cups and dual meets, but the professors are very understanding and help work around your schedule to meet deadlines.
What would be your dream job? – Physician's Assistant, but I don't know what kind just yet.
FENCING BACKGROUND ...
How did you get started in fencing? – I basically owe it to my mom. The fencing coach at the fencing club that I started at (Polish American Fencing School) used to go to the bank that she worked at, and he was explaining to her what fencing was and she had an inkling that I would enjoy it. 13 years later and here I am.
Current coaches (college and club)? – Yury Gelman (Manhattan Fencing Center; current St. John's head coach) is my fencing coach from back home, I still regularly work with him when I go back home, and then there's Wes Glon who's one of the coaches here at Penn State who I've been working with during my four years here.
Former coaches – I'll always consider my very first coach as my coach, Janusz Mlynek, Polish American Fencing School. I believe I worked with him since I was nine years old until about 14.
Key influences on your fencing career – It's definitely been Yury. He helped me believe in myself and pushed me to become the fencer I have become. I've never trusted someone as much as I trust him. Pretty much anything that he would tell me to do in a fencing bout, I would do without any questions. He's someone I look up to not only as a coach, but more so even a dad.
ATHLETIC CAREER ...
How would you describe this college season? – Two of our teammates took the year to train for the Olympics so it's been weird without them around. They were also definitely a huge asset to the team, but we've been doing our best to manage without them. It's also been pretty strange for me knowing that this is my last season in collegiate fencing. I never thought it would happen but I was actually pretty sad during my last dual meet, I even shed a tear when I fenced my last bout.
Present/former teammates (HS/club/national teams) who will be fencing in the 2012 NCAAs for other teams – My Penn State teammate Aleks Ochocki and I started at the same fencing club (Polish American Fencing), as did Caroline Vloka (Harvard) and Martyna Wieczorek (St. John's). The three of us also fenced at Manhattan Fencing Center together. Aleks and I are probably the closest. He and I go back home together. We also regularly took the train to Manhattan Fencing Center together during high school.
From the fencers in the 2012 NCAAs, are there any you have fenced a high number of times? – Caroline and I have been on numerous national teams together, as have I with Becca Ward (Duke). I also remember fencing with Vloka, Ward and Eliza Stone (Princeton) during my very first competition. I even remember where this was, almost 12 years ago in Louisville, Kentucky. I've also competed against Alison Miller (Ohio State) and Wieczorek (St. John's) since we were from the same club/state.
Who is your favorite international/national-team fencer? – I guess I'd have to say Dagmara Wozniak [formerly with St. John's]. We both started at Polish-American, and she was always my idol. She's a little older than me so she's always been that one step ahead. She's always motivated me to work harder and to do better.
What do you like most about college fencing? – I'd have to say that the team bonding is the highlight of college fencing. Those long bus trips are always entertaining. I've gotten very close with a lot of the people during my four years here, and I've had a lot of good times with them all. Because of it all I've learned a good deal about myself, which has helped me grow and mature.
What would you change about college fencing? – I would change the 5-touch bouts to 15, but I know that that would be literally impossible to handle fencing 11 of those a day at NCA's. But I do dislike the 5-touch because it leaves a lot of room up to chance. Someone can accidentally hit you, the referee can make a mistake against you, you can make a mistake and then you're already down 3-0. In a 15-touch bout, this is something that doesn't matter because you still have plenty of room to make the right decisions and close the gap.
Did you play other sports at a high level (during high school)? – I played a season of basketball but I hated it because everyone was a ball hog, and all our coach would ever do was make us run laps or suicides. I do have to admit that that was probably the best shape I have ever been in though.
If you were to play another sport on the collegiate level, what would it be? I've always liked volleyball and it's definitely more popular than fencing, so that's potentially something I would consider.
How long would you like to continue fencing on a competitive level? – I'm not sure if I want to continue. This is something I'm currently trying to decide on. But it's looking like I'm going to try to make it to the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.
FAVORITES ...
Favorite college fencing roadtrip – They have all been pretty memorable, but we had one to Harvard a few years back that stands out. However, I definitely wouldn't say it was my favorite one. The drive itself was absurdly long, something around 8-10 hours I believe. But then when we got to the hotel, we dropped our stuff off and then got back on the bus to go get food. Of course, the bus broke down, so we had no choice but to walk around the area to find somewhere to eat. We ended up walking around for at least 45 minutes, and it was absolutely freezing. Everyone was using their iPhones to find something in the area, and then there were places with extremely long lines. It was a huge mess to say the least.
Favorite cities where you have fenced at an event – I'd say Havana, Cuba was definitely amazing. The event itself wasn't very special aside from it being extremely humid inside the facility, but it was one of my best events, (I finished in second place at a senior world cup) but I would have never been able to go there had it not been for fencing.
Favorite/most memorable fencing moment – I'd have to say that the Senior World Cup in Orleans, France in 2009 would have to be the most memorable. At senior world cups you compete in an individual event, and based on national rankings and your coach, you can also fence in a team event. During this time I was on the national team and therefore competed in both events. In the individual event, I made the 32's and lost to the 2008 Olympic silver medalist, Xue Tan. I lost to her 15-14, and everyone told me that I fenced so well, and while even though I was extremely upset that I lost to her, I was still very proud of myself. Then it came time for the team event. Our fourth teammate injured her ankle during the individual tournament, so I had no choice but to fence every single fencer. This was my first time fencing the team event, and nervous can't even begin to describe how I felt. I was competing next to Mariel Zagunis [who fenced at Notre Dame], who has won multiple world cups, multiple world championships, and has to gold medals from the Olympics. And then there was Dagmara Wozniak who has always been my idol (we also both came from Polish American Fencing School) who at the time also had some phenomenal results. And there I was, 19 years old, and I had never even seen some of the competition fence. I was absolutely petrified. However, I'm not sure how.... but we ended up winning the tournament. And I remember fencing on the gold-medal strip against China, and I was coming off from winning a bout against one of the girls, and Wozniak said to me "Woah, stop showing off, you're making me look bad." Definitely an absolutely amazing moment in my life.
Favorite TV Show – Parks & Rec
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ELISSA MUNIRA GESNER
UC SAN DIEGO ... Sabre ... So. ... Sacramento, CA
... #2 seed entering 2012 NCAA West Regional (placed 2nd)
... placed 3rd at 2011 NCAA West Regional
Nickname – I go by my middle name, Munira.
Birthplace – Sacramento, CA
High School – Ponderosa (Shingle Springs, CA)
College major – Environmental Systems (Ecology, Behavior, and Evolution)
Why did you choose your college? – I really liked the Biology program that they have at UCSD. UCSD is very strong in its science departments. Also, I love the location and the atmosphere.
What do you most like about being a student-athlete at your school? – I like representing my school. I also enjoy spending time with my teammates; we really are one big family.
What would be your dream job? – I would like to become a doctor and volunteer with Doctors Without Borders.
Where do you want to be/what do you want to be doing in 10 years? – A doctor practicing in Malaysia.
FENCING BACKGROUND ...
How did you get started in fencing? – There was a one-month introductory fencing class at my middle school. I started competing competitively in high school.
Family members who have been fencers – My younger sister, Megan, also fences sabre.
Current coaches – At UC San Diego my coaches are Heidi and Josh Runyan, Katherine Gillcrist, Dave Burgess ... Ted Smith at Hangtown Saber Club
Former coaches – David Lee at Sacramento Saber Fencing Club, Paul Sears at Sacramento Fencing Club.
Key influences on your fencing career – Coach David Lee. He devoted so much time to the club. He taught me so much about fencing, and pushed me to work harder during practice and lessons. He believed in me when I wouldn’t believe in myself. Also my mom for devoting so much time in taking my sister and me to practice, watching every one of our competitions, cheering on my team.
Three words that best describe your college coach – Coach Heidi is dedicated, motivated and competitive.
ATHLETIC CAREER ...
Pre-bout rituals or superstitions – I listen to Daddy Yankee.
Key areas of improvement that remain for you – Staying calm and focused during a competition.
How would you describe this college season – I think it was a very successful season for my team. My teammates really gave it their all at every competition. Even when they lost bouts, they made sure that their opponent had to fight for it. Throughout the season you could see the team grow as fencers. We learned a lot this season, which will improve our fencing for next season.
Favorite international/national-team fencer – Sophia Velikaya
What do you like most about college fencing? – My teammates. I am really lucky to be on this team.
FAVORITES ...
Favorite cities where you have fenced at an event – Atlanta. We had a car so we could explore the city. This was also my last summer nationals fencing with my club before going to college.
Favorite pro sports teams/athletes – The Sacramento Kings. FC Barcelona. Rafael Nadal, Gael Monfils, David Villa, Chris Paul.
Favorite food – Char Kway Teow (Malaysian rice-noodle dish)
Favorite TV show and actor – The Office; Hugh Jackman
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ALLISON MILLER
OHIO STATE ... Sabre ... Jr. ... Chicago, IL
... three-time NCAA qualifier (16th in 2010, 11th/All-America in 2011)
... #1 seed entering 2012 NCAA Midwest Regional (placed 3rd)
... placed 3rd at 2010 & 2011 NCAA Midwest Regionals
Nickname – Alicat
What would be the title of your autobiography? – The sky is not the limit.
Birthplace – Chicago (one of the most beautiful skylines in the U.S.)
High School – Jones College Prep (Chicago)
College major – Psychology
Favorite college class – Behavioral Neuroscience: It was the most challenging class I’ve ever taken here at OSU and it pushed me to perform at my best.
Why did you choose your college? – Upon visiting there were a myriad of people from many different backgrounds. Ohio State had uniqueness and a genuine nature that other schools failed to match up to.
What do you most like about being a student-athlete at your school? – Balancing life as a full-time student and an athlete has enhanced my ability to multitask in other areas of my life. I find that I get much more done because of the responsibility I uphold every day.
What would be your dream job? – Working as a forensic psychologist for the government
Where do you want to be/what do you want to be doing in 10 years? – I would like to have acquired my PhD in psychology and attained the necessary credentials to work as a forensic psychologist.
FENCING BACKGROUND ...
How did you get started in fencing? – After being a ballerina and gymnast, I wanted to try something new. My mom and I saw a fencing demonstration on the news and she asked me if that was something I would like to try. I picked it up pretty quickly and after I started I didn’t want to stop.
Family members who have been fencers – My sister, Erin Danielle Miller, is an epee fencer. She started fencing after me but she was really dedicated to the sport and now has an unfaltering passion for teaching younger kids the sport of fencing.
Current coach – Vladimir Nazlymov (OSU)
Former coach – Hristo Etropolski from the Midwest Fencing Academy in Chicago
Key influences on your fencing career – My mother and my sister. Both of them have gone to every NAC (national tournament) and international tournament I have competed in. They have supported me 100 percent along my fencing journey — they are my number one fans.
Three words that best describe your college coach? – Determined, Inspirational, Fatherly
ATHLETIC CAREER ...
Pre-bout rituals or superstitions – I always stay in my own head--nothing exists but me and the strip.
Areas where you feel you have improved most this season – I’ve learned to relax more and enjoy what I’m doing, there’s no need to rush through everything.
Key areas of improvement that remain for you – Getting to know myself better as an athlete, learning a bit more about what works for me and what doesn’t.
How would you describe this college season – It’s a season to win and show ourselves, and everyone else, what we’ve had inside of us all along.
Present/former teammates (HS/club/national teams) who will be fencing in the 2012 NCAAs for other teams – Eliza Stone (Princeton) and Dominika Franciszkowicz (Penn), coached by Hristo Etropolski at the Midwest Fencing Academy
What do you like most about college fencing? – There’s more of a team spirit and collective competitive edge that you don’t see at most international and national tournaments.
What would you change about college fencing? – The camaraderie between all of the teams. It improve the overall experience of competing and enjoying the sport.
If you were to play another sport on the collegiate level, what would it be? – Track & Field
How long would you like to continue fencing on a competitive level? –Maybe a couple of more years, but who knows—maybe longer later in life.
FAVORITES ...
Favorite college fencing roadtrip – Going to the Penn State Open. It’s always so much fun fencing the same people in multiple rounds. I love the competitive edge and passion I feel there.
Favorite cities where you have fenced – Evanston at the Northwestern Duals. I always get to see my family when I’m there.
Favorite/most memorable fencing moment – Winning Midwest Fencing Conference Championship, I was really sick that entire weekend but was still able to muster up enough strength to perform well and pull through the tournament.
Favorite pro sports teams – Chicago White Sox, Chicago Bears, Chicago Bulls, and the Chicago Black Hawks
Favorite food – Sushi
Favorite TV show and/or movie; actor and/or actress – Criminal Minds, Hero, Sandra Bullock
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ABIGAIL ("Abbey") NICHOLS
NOTRE DAME ... Sabre ... Jr. ... Concord, MA
... #3 seed entering 2012 NCAA Midwest Regional (placed 7th)
... runner-up at 2011 NCAA Midwest Regional (9th in '10)
What would be the title of your autobiography? – “Why Not?”
Birthplace – Concord, MA ... famous for "Shot heard round the world," Walden Pond, Little Women, and Revolutionary War started there.
High School – Concord-Carlisle
College majors – US history and philosophy
Favorite college class – American Frontiers, because I get to study cowboys and indians
What do you most like about being a student-athlete at your school? – Getting the opportunity to travel and have an engaging thing to do outside classes
What would be your dream job? – Biographer/speech-writer
Where do you want to be/what do you want to be doing in 10 years? – Officer in the U.S. Army (I’m an Army ROTC cadet)
FENCING BACKGROUND ...
How did you get started in fencing? –Suggested to me by a sales lady at Macy’s
Relatives who have competed in college or pro sports – My mother and uncle played tennis at Georgia and Wellesley.
Current coaches (college and club) – Zoran Tulum (club) and Ian Farr (ND)
Key influences on your fencing career – Zoran pushed me to be the best athlete I can be and my grandfather for pushing me to compete outside my comfort zone.
Three words that best describe your college weapon coach – chill, calming, funny
ATHLETIC CAREER ...
Key areas of improvement that remain for you – finishing attacks
Present/former teammates (HS/club/national teams) who will be fencing in the 2012 NCAAs for other teams – Phil Dershwitz (Princeton)
Favorite international/national-team fencer – Sada Jacobson [past U.S. Olympian; fenced collegiately at Yale], I love her fencing style and she is a wonderfully nice and thoughtful person.
What do you like most about college fencing? – That it’s mostly 5-touch bouts
What would you change about college fencing? – Opportunity to fence good schools more often, not just within the region.
If you were to play another sport on the collegiate level, what would it be? – Cross-country
How long would you like to continue fencing on a competitive level? – Through college and maybe after my army career.
FAVORITES ...
Favorite college fencing roadtrip – To NYC, because we watch Apocolypto.
Favorite cities where you have fenced at an event – Madrid. Easily my favorite place in the whole world. So beautiful, love food, love culture.
Favorite/most memorable fencing moment – Beating Mariel Zagunis when I was 14 at a NAC in a pool bout.
Favorite pro sports teams/athletes – Jason Varitek, captain of Red Sox. Classy guy, great athlete, great leader.
Favorite food – PB&J
Favorite movie – Forest Gump
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LIAN OSIER
NOTRE DAME ... Sabre ... Jr. ... Battle Ground, WA
... 2011 All-American (9th at NCAAs,team champions)
... #2 seed entering 2012 NCAA Midwest Regional (placed 2nd)
... placed 4th at 2011 NCAA Midwest Regional
Nickname – Lion
Birthplace – Wonju, South Korea
Anything notable or unusual about your hometown? – Battle Ground was named after a battle that never happened between Indians and pioneers.
Other noteworthy places where your family has lived – South Korea, India, Florida
High School – CAM (Battle Ground, WA)
College majors – American Studies and Computer Applications
Favorite college class – Constitutional Law, because the professor always kept the class interesting. The cases we studied were both interesting and controversial, and I want to pursue a career in law so I found that any class relating to law was a good foundation to build off of (in addition to it being interesting),
Why did you choose your college? –I wanted to go to a school that had a top-level fencing program along with one that had a high academic profile.
Where do you want to be/what do you want to be doing in 10 years? – Being a successful intellectual property lawyer.
FENCING BACKGROUND ...
How did you get started in fencing? I needed to do something in the soccer off-season and I saw a fencing class that sounded interesting to try.
Current coach – Ed Korfanty from Oregon Fencing Alliance (2007-present)
ATHLETIC CAREER ...
Areas where you feel you have improved most this season – I feel that my mental game has improved a lot since last year. I'm not thrown off or easily frustrated when I'm losing a bout or the referee makes a bad call, rather I feel that I'm able to stay calm.
Key areas of improvement that remain for you –Staying focused all the time
How would you describe this college season – I feel that this season started out a little rusty, as a team we were still trying to find ourselves after graduating 14-plus key seniors last year. However, after the first meet I feel that our team found its own rhythm and found a way to define ourselves as a new team and still be one of the top contenders for a national championship.
Present/former teammates (HS/club/national teams) who will be fencing in the 2012 NCAAs for other teams – Diamond Wheeler (Princeton), clubmate at Oregon Fencing Alliance; Sammy Roberts (Columbia), 2010 national team member; Nicole Glon (Penn State, 2011 national team member. I consider them all my close friends
What do you like most about college fencing? – I like the atmosphere of college fencing. I really enjoy that at NCAAs, dual meets, and regionals you always have your team there cheering for you and supporting you win or lose.
Did you play other sports at a high level (during high school)? – Soccer
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SAMANTHA ("Sammy") ROBERTS
COLUMBIA ... Sabre ... Sr. ... Upper Saddle River, NJ
... Team-replacement entry (due to Loweye Diedro injury)
... 2011 All-American (12th at NCAAs; 16th in '10)
... #3 seed entering 2012 NCAA Northeast Regional (placed 12th)
... placed 3rd at the 2009 Northeast Regional (6th in '10, 9th in '11)
Birthplace – Upper Saddle River, NJ
Anything notable or unusual about your hometown? – Upper Saddle River has only have two stop-lights and no street lights or sidewalks. It's basically an uninhabited forest. We do have the company Pearson Education (they publish textbooks).
High School – Northern Highlands Regional (Allendale, NJ)
College major – Chemical Engineering
Why did you choose your college? – combination of prestigious fencing program, the opportunities of New York City, and the invaluable education.
Where do you want to be/what do you want to be doing in 10 years? – I hope to realistically be working in a pharmaceutical research and development program or in the biotechnology industry.
FENCING BACKGROUND ...
How did you get started in fencing? – My best friend from home, Caroline Vloka [Harvard; 2010 NCAA champ], tricked me into starting to come to practice with her and I got hooked.
Current coaches (college and club)? – Yury Gelman [St. John's head coach], Manhattan Fencing Center; Michael Aufrichtig (Columbia)
Former coaches – Oleg Stetsiv, Bergen fencing club, 2005-2008; Janusz Mlynek, Polish American Fencing School, 2004-2005/6
Key influences on your fencing career – Yury Gelman, has been a positive influence in my fencing in helping me to not only achieve my goals but to believe in myself and have confidence in everything I do.
ATHLETIC CAREER ...
Pre-bout rituals or superstitions – I need to be plugged into my saber before I get onto the strip and have my nails painted.
Areas where you feel you have improved most this season – Confidence in my own abilities and positive work ethic
How would you describe this college season – Probably one of my best personally with Columbia. Even though on paper it doesn't seem like the best season for Columbia fencing, but I feel like this year we became a complete team and I feel like every teammate supports each other and we all believe in each other.
Present/former teammates (HS/club/national teams) who will be fencing in the 2012 NCAAs for other teams – Caroline Vloka (Harvard), I fenced with her through my childhood and during high school together. Martyna Weiczorek (St. John's) and Monika Aksamit (Penn State), Polish American Fencing School and Manhattan Fencing Center. Lian Osier (ND) and Nicole Glon (PSU), Junior World Team 2010.
What do you like most about college fencing? – College fencing allows the sport to transcend beyond being just an individual sport and finds a way to become a team sport.
What would you change about college fencing? – I would add more 15-touch opportunities into the events.
Did you play other sports at a high level (during high school)? – Softball
If you were to play another sport on the collegiate level, what would it be? – I would like to suggest starting badminton as a collegiate sport.
How long would you like to continue fencing on a competitive level? – Until I don't want to do it anymore. Until I don't love to fence anymore.
FAVORITES ...
Favorite cities where you have fenced at an event – Dormagen, Germany. The event is set up extremely well and Germany is a really nice place.
Favorite/most memorable fencing moment – Making the Junior World Team my last year as a junior fencer in 2010
Favorite food – Macaroni and cheese
Favorite TV Show and/or Movie – Friday Night Lights