Being a member of the Western fencing team has been amazing. I showed up to the team tryout in my second year having never before picked up a blade. My lack of fencing experience didn’t matter to Coaches Carol and Brad. From the beginning, they have been welcoming and happy to help me in my development as a fencer. I quickly realized that I wanted to spend Tuesday evenings, Thursday evenings, and Saturday mornings working to become the best fencer I could be. Looking back I am so glad that I was able to do this for my last three years of undergrad. Practices were challenging – they tested my endurance, strength, and knowledge. These same practices were also filled with laughter, joy, and growth. I will always cherish the times I spent with my fencing family, especially my fellow foil fencers. I feel so lucky to have had incredible mentors (Danilla, Athan, Tony, and Oscar, just to name a few) who taught me the sport inside and out. Some of my favourite memories include learning fencing techniques, finishing practice with a first-to-two-point bout, and of course the numerous tournaments we attended all over Ontario. The RMC, Carleton, and Western tournaments were my favourites. I cannot talk about my favourite tournaments without bringing up the OUA’s where we won a bronze and silver medal! I will remember this moment as one of the highlights of my time at Western for the rest of my life. Being a part of this team was a highlight University experience and meant so much to me. I’m proud to have been a part of this team and affiliated with all my teammates and coaches that work tirelessly to make our program so great. I want to say thank you to all of my teammates, coaches, and Western University for three years of my life that I will never forget.
Adrienne