First to 15: The USA Fencing Podcast

USA Fencing
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Welcome to the official podcast of USA Fencing! In each episode, we’ll talk to someone interesting within the fencing world, including young fencers just learning the sport, coaches, experts from outside of fencing, fencing parents, referees, Olympians and Paralympians, and many more. Ready? Set? Fence!

  1. Brandon Rochelle on the How and Why of the Events Restructure

    Jun 10

    Brandon Rochelle on the How and Why of the Events Restructure

    In this episode, Bryan is joined by Brandon Rochelle, chair of the USA Fencing Tournament Committee, for a full breakdown of the new points and events structure launching Aug. 1, 2026. They discuss: why USA Fencing felt change was necessary how elite and national event tiers will work why a unified points list is being introduced how points will flow between Division I, junior and cadet what the two-year trial period means what is changing, and what is staying the same For the full explainer, visit this article. -- First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA Fencing Host: Bryan Wendell Cover art: Manna Creations Theme music: Brian Sanyshyn

    41 min
  2. Brad Suchorski on the Work Behind College Fencing’s Growth

    May 4

    Brad Suchorski on the Work Behind College Fencing’s Growth

    In this episode, Bryan talks with Brad Suchorski, USA Fencing’s Director of Membership, Service and Growth, about the bigger picture behind collegiate fencing expansion. They cover: Why college fencing growth is more complicated than it looks from the outside What stood out from the NCAA Fencing Championships at Notre Dame Why separate men’s and women’s team titles matter What families often misunderstand about college fencing How schools decide whether to add sports What athletic directors want to know before adding fencing Why enrollment, sustainability and gender equity all matter in those conversations How USA Fencing approaches schools and cultivates long-term relationships Recent momentum in collegiate fencing growth How college fairs, Recruiting 101 sessions and College Connect help student-athletes connect with programs Why supporting existing college programs is just as important as adding new ones How the fencing community can help support collegiate growth -- First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA Fencing Host: Bryan Wendell Cover art: Manna Creations Theme music: Brian Sanyshyn

    49 min
  3. Deep Patel on Going from Beginner to Captain to Coach

    Mar 16

    Deep Patel on Going from Beginner to Captain to Coach

    Guest: Deep Patel Deep walked onto the men’s fencing team at Haverford College after discovering fencing through a PE class, and quickly became one of the team’s leaders. He now coaches sabre at Badger Fencing Club and is part of a new generation of coaches helping make fencing more accessible. What you’ll hear in this episode How Deep discovered fencing in college (and why a PE class + a “why not?” mindset changed everything) What transfers from soccer/lacrosse/cricket — and what fencing forces you to “rewire” (upper/lower body separation, individual accountability, body language) The steep learning curve: terminology, right-of-way, and why Deep urges new competitors to actually read the rule book A turning point moment: the first big win that made the progress feel real Competing as a D3 athlete against lifelong fencers — and why it can feel empowering, not just intimidating Leadership and culture: how Deep became captain by contributing beyond his own bouts (rides, armory basics, energy, motivation) Coaching development: what it was like entering Tim Morehouse Fencing Club’s Fencing Corps and becoming a “small fish” again The “UN ambassador lesson” story: how to make a first fencing experience fun, memorable, and meaningful Building something new at Badger: what it’s like joining a developing club — and why Badger matters nationally as a Club Incubator success story  Post-college fencing: why it doesn’t have to be “stop now, maybe come back at Vet 40” Growing the sport: Deep’s idea of making fencing feel more like drop-in recreation leagues while still preserving the competitive ladder Haverford roster (Deep Patel): https://haverfordathletics.com/sports/mens-fencing/roster/deep-patel/9407 USA Fencing: Badger Fencing Club launch (Club Incubator): https://www.usafencing.org/news/2024/september/16/club-incubator-program-celebrates-successful-launch-of-wisconsin-s-badger-fencing-club USA Fencing: Badger success story (0 to 100 members): https://www.usafencing.org/news/2025/november/20/club-incubator-success-story-badger-fencing-club-rockets-from-zero-to-100-members USA Fencing Club Incubator Program info: https://www.usafencing.org/club-incubator Club Incubator overview article: https://www.usafencing.org/news/2024/june/06/club-incubator-program-a-new-grant-opportunity-to-turn-fencing-passion-into-a-profession   -- First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA Fencing Host: Bryan Wendell Cover art: Manna Creations Theme music: Brian Sanyshyn

    34 min
  4. David Sierra on the Surprising Links Between Coaching NCAA Fencers and Vet Fencers

    Feb 23

    David Sierra on the Surprising Links Between Coaching NCAA Fencers and Vet Fencers

    Guest: David Sierra David Sierra is the head men’s and women’s fencing coach at Wagner College (NY), where he expanded the program from seven athletes to a co-ed squad of 31 and produced NCAA qualifiers early in the men’s program. He also coaches veteran fencers (40+), served as coach and team captain at the 2025 Veteran Worlds in Bahrain, is a longtime national referee, a certified fencing master, and the Education Manager for the US Fencing Coaches Association. What we cover: David’s entry into fencing via a Texas A&M PE class (and why he’s glad he didn’t choose “aerobic walking”) How an injury ended his competitive career — and pushed him into coaching and refereeing Building Wagner fencing: recruiting, culture, and growing a young NCAA program fast “Better humans” as a coaching motto — and what that looks like day to day Why veteran fencers matter to clubs: culture, feedback, community, staffing, and smart scheduling Coaching vets vs coaching NCAA athletes: what’s different, and what’s surprisingly the same Bahrain 2025: David’s first international coaching experience and the realities of coaching on the world stage Why Veteran Worlds is a tougher jump for Americans (and how vets prepare without an international circuit) Team format changes, fast team selection, and the challenge of coaching a relay team you just met What USA Fencing can do better for vets — and why travel funding would be a game-changer “Vet fencing is the soul of fencing”: tactical depth, tempo, and what younger fencers can learn What keeps David motivated after losing a club and rebuilding in a new region Rapid fire includes: Favorite weapon (no surprises) David’s “other lifetime” in science and the Human Genome Project The coach who shaped his philosophy — and the best advice he ever received How he reads the room before coaching Motorcycles, sci-fi, cooking, and The Repair Shop -- First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA Fencing Host: Bryan Wendell Cover art: Manna Creations Theme music: Brian Sanyshyn

    43 min
  5. Corwin Duncan on Why You Fence Great in Practice but Struggle in Competition

    Feb 2

    Corwin Duncan on Why You Fence Great in Practice but Struggle in Competition

    Guest: Corwin Duncan is a mental performance coach, former national champion and world team member, and a longtime fencing coach and referee. He works with fencers of all levels to build concrete, in-the-moment skills for managing pressure, emotions, and focus — on and off the strip. What we cover: Why tournaments feel different than practice: familiarity, “safety,” routine disruption, and expectations How spirals start (and how to interrupt them before they snowball) The “5-second reset” breathing technique you can use between actions Using time wisely on strip (shoe tie, blade straighten, creating a moment to think) A parent’s role: supporting without adding pressure, and managing your own stress “Losing to weaker fencers”: how expectations can lower intensity — and what to do instead Reframing a bad result so it doesn’t define you When it’s time to consider a mental performance coach (including “I’m not enjoying fencing anymore”) Building a mental warm-up and why routines should be consistent, not rigid Why Corwin cares about skills that transfer beyond fencing (the “doctor’s shot” story) Links mentioned: SharperMind Training: https://sharpermindtraining.com/ -- First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA Fencing Host: Bryan Wendell Cover art: Manna Creations Theme music: Brian Sanyshyn

    37 min
  6. Peter Grandbois on Starting a Collegiate Fencing Program from Scratch

    Jan 26

    Peter Grandbois on Starting a Collegiate Fencing Program from Scratch

    GuestPeter Grandbois — Head coach of Denison women’s varsity fencing; coach of Denison men’s club team (transitioning to varsity in 2026). English professor and creative writing instructor. Veteran competitor and longtime coach. What you’ll hear in this episodeHow Denison fencing dates back to at least 1941 — and why college clubs often rise and fall with student energy The real grind of launching a program: recruiting on campus, building participation, and finding the “tipping point” Why Denison elevated the women’s team to varsity in 2019, and what helped make the case The role of culture: “work hard” and “have fun,” creating a team people want to join Budget and equipment realities — and how to educate decision-makers on what fencing actually needs Coaching challenges: building three-weapon coaching capacity, learning sabre, and finding additional coaching support The administrator pitch: enrollment, diversity, academic profile, and cost-benefit Grandbois’s origin story: starting fencing in college because of a flyer — and why that matters How competing as a veteran helps him coach better Fencing and creative writing: risk-taking, discomfort, failure, and persistence Recruiting lightning round: Best email subject lines for recruits Results vs. being a great teammate What coaches watch when scouting The ideal parent role What surprises most fencers about college fencing (strength & conditioning) Quote-worthy moments“Patience and persistence are the two biggest hallmarks of trying to start a fencing program.” “We can always grow a fencer, but it’s harder to make them great teammates.” “Creativity happens in the unknown — in fencing and in writing.” -- First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA Fencing Host: Bryan Wendell Cover art: Manna Creations Theme music: Brian Sanyshyn

    39 min
  7. DoGood on Turning Tournament Weekends Into Community Impact

    Jan 19

    DoGood on Turning Tournament Weekends Into Community Impact

    GuestsTheo Lin — Founder & Head of Community Engagement Catalina Berrios — Head of Social Media Ryan Katz — Head of Communications Ava Kwon — Trainee (future Communications & High School Engagement) Lucas Suba — Head of Registration & Onsite Project Management What this episode coversWhy Theo founded DoGood after missing school service days for NAC travel How DoGood finds and books volunteer projects in each host city Favorite project types: animal shelters, food pantries, Ronald McDonald House, homeless shelters Telling the story the right way: gratitude and joy, not “look at us” Getting the word out: local media, USA Fencing e-blasts, and an on-site NAC table The logistics: having a leadership point person at every project The switch to GivePulse and how it makes registration + tracking easier Service hours: verification, certificates, and tracking (plus who to email) Succession planning: training the next leaders so DoGood doesn’t disappear after graduation The big vision: DoGood as the “ketchup to French fries” of volunteering at fencing events — and eventually beyond fencing Quick linksDoGood website: fencersdogood.org Instagram: @fencersdogood Service hours verification: highschool@fencersdogood.org Call to actionGoing to your next NAC? Sign up for a DoGood project and spend a couple hours giving back — you’ll leave the city with more than just bout results. -- First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA Fencing Host: Bryan Wendell Cover art: Manna Creations Theme music: Brian Sanyshyn

    33 min
  8. Rob Charlton on Why NCAA Fencing Is Within Your Reach

    Jan 5

    Rob Charlton on Why NCAA Fencing Is Within Your Reach

    Title: Rob Charlton on Why NCAA Fencing Is Within Your Reach Season 2, Episode 20 In this episode, Bryan talks with Rob Charlton — head coach of Wellesley College and a club coach at Five Points Fencing Academy — about why many more fencers are “good enough” to fence in college than they realize, and how to navigate the NCAA landscape without getting overwhelmed. In this episode, you’ll learn: The most common misconception Rob hears: “Am I good enough?” — and why the answer is often yesWhy there’s no universal “cut line” for NCAA fencing (and why it depends on the school, weapon and year)How coaches build rosters across four years — and how study abroad, injuries and attrition affect recruiting needsWhat Division I vs. Division III can look like in training time, travel and season structureHow athletic scholarships actually work (and why Division III schools can’t offer them)The value of looking at the full financial picture: merit aid, need-based aid and total costThe walk-on/tryout path — and why Rob still recommends engaging the recruiting process earlyKey recruiting rules for Division III: when coaches can meet prospects in person and on campusWhat makes a strong first email to a college coach (and what reads as generic/copy-paste)How college coaches structure Summer Nationals: meetings, rules around competition days, and what they’re reallywatching forWhy the new NCAA Women’s Fencing Championship is meaningful for women’s-only programsFind First to 15 on our YouTube channel, too! -- First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA Fencing Host: Bryan Wendell Cover art: Manna Creations Theme music: Brian Sanyshyn

    43 min
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5
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About

Welcome to the official podcast of USA Fencing! In each episode, we’ll talk to someone interesting within the fencing world, including young fencers just learning the sport, coaches, experts from outside of fencing, fencing parents, referees, Olympians and Paralympians, and many more. Ready? Set? Fence!

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