CF360 2014 Fencer Focus (Q&A) – Women's Foil | Women's Epee | Women's Sabre
(posted below):
• Nicole Ameli (Notre Dame)
• Courtney Dumas (Northwestern)
• Megan Floyd (Sacred Heart)
• Ashley Severson (Notre Dame)
• Isis Washington (St. John's), new submission for 2014
still to be added: Rachel Clark (Temple), Sarah Collins (Duke), Eugenia Falqui (Ohio State), Katherine Miller (Yale),
Jessie Gottesman-Radnovich (Penn State), Jessica O'Neill-Lyubinsky (Penn State), Chantal Montrose (Temple) and Victoria Wines (Cornell)
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NICOLE AMELI (originally submitted in 2012)
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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COURTNEY DUMAS (originally submitted in 2012)
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 (originally submitted in 2012)
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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ASHLEY SEVERSON (originally submitted in 2012)
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.
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ISIS WASHINGTON
ST. JOHN'S ... Epee ... Jr. … Parsippany, NY
… first appearance at NCAs
... #1 seed entering 2014 NCAA Northeast Regional (placed 8th)
Nickname – “Ice"
Official Height – 5'9
Birthplace – “Livingston, NJ, USA”
High School – Butler High School (Butler, NJ)
High School's Nickname and Colors – Bulldogs (blue and gold)
College Major – Communication Arts
Favorite College Class – “Russian because one day I'll speak Russian”
Why did you choose St. John's? – “Because it's close to home. It is in New York City – the land opportunity, and it has the best fencing team!”
What do you most like about being a student-athlete at St. John's? – “It's a small community and everyone is there to help”
What I want to be doing in 10 years – “I would like to be an entertainment lawyer. I also want to have a mentoring program for young kids interested in achieving in the Arts and/or Sports.”
FENCING BACKGROUND ...
How I got started in fencing – “My sister started at the Peter Westbrook Foundation and I followed suit. I loved the environment at the foundation especially my epee squad! Foundation changed my life.”
Family members who have been fencers – Sister Joi Washington was a foil fencer at Penn State.
Current coaches – “Boris Vaksman and Yury Gelman are my college coaches. Boris is also my personal coach.”
Former coaches – “My former coach was Seoung Woo Lee (Fencers Club, 2009-2012) He is now an assistant coach at Columbia University.”
Key influences on your fencing career – “Olympic bronze medalist Peter Westbrook because he is the greatest. World medalist Ibtihaj Muhammad [Duke saber alum] because she taught me how to fight and believe in yourself. She is also who I call for anything and everything. World champ Benjamin Bratton [St. John's epee alum] because he taught me self discipline and how important it is to your game. He taught me a lot about fencing and he still does. He is like a thesaurus that only a few people in the world have access to, I'm lucky! Future Hall of Fame-er (and Cadet World Team Member) Iman Blow, because no one in the country works harder than her, her mental discipline is out of this world. She taught me a lot like never giving up and how to control your emotions, and that was all just this year!”
Three words that best describe your college head coach and/ or weapon coach – “They Mean Business!”
ATHLETIC CAREER ...
Areas where I have improved most this season – “I'm mentally stronger. I'm also a lot faster.”
Key areas of improvement that remain for me – “There are too many because I want to be the best.”
Describe the 2014 college season (for you and your team)? – “The best one thus far. We know we have the best team, even if no one else does.”
Former teammate who will be fencing in the 2014 NCAAs for other teams – “Charles (Devon) Clark, from the Peter Westbrook Foundation.”
Favorite international/national-team fencer – “Ibtihaj Muhammad [Duke saber alum]. For too many reasons.”
What I like most about college fencing – “My team.”
If you were to play another sport on the collegiate level, what would it be? – “Field hockey, because I would have been pretty good at it.”
How long would you like to continue fencing on a competitive level? – “Six years maximum”