USA Fencing's College Conversations: Panels, Bootcamp and College Fair Coming to Summer Nationals in Columbus

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Here’s one more reason to get pumped for Summer Nationals in Columbus: We’re bringing back our popular College Conversations program — a series of panels and sessions designed to help prepare high schoolers (and their parents/caregivers) for collegiate fencing.

This summer’s sessions might be our best yet, with panels, an educational bootcamp and a college fair. Scheduled from July 1-3 in Columbus, Ohio, these sessions are designed to enlighten and guide young athletes on their journey to becoming student-athletes.

Location: Rooms B130–131 

Offering a firsthand perspective on the realities of being a fencing student-athlete, this panel delves into the balance of managing rigorous academic loads alongside NCAA commitments. Attendees can gain insights into navigating the demands of both the athletic and academic spheres.

Serving as a comprehensive guide to the recruiting process, this panel provides vital information on the key dates and timelines every high school athlete and parent should be aware of. It includes pointers on effective communication strategies with college coaches.

A paid opportunity with separate sessions for athletes and parents, focusing on effective strategies for navigating the college recruitment landscape. A single registration fee of $29 covers both one athlete and one parent/caregiver, providing valuable perspectives tailored specifically to each group’s needs.

Register for the Bootcamp here

• Athlete Education Bootcamp: How to Standout in the Recruiting Process: Tips and insights on making yourself more in demand with college coaches. High school students only.

  • How to interview with college coaches — questions you can expect, questions you should ask, how to professionally handle yourself during interviews.

  • How to put together must-read recruiting emails and building a perfect fencing resume. 

• Parent Education Bootcamp: Being an NCAA Parent: Supporting your athlete through recruitment and retention in college fencing. Parents of high school athletes only.

  • Seminar with the NCAA coach on being a parent through the college process.

    • This seminar will approach the parent role in the recruiting process and beyond. Attendees will come away with knowledge of:

      • The benefits of being a college athlete

      • The college recruiting timeline and rules of recruiting

      • Athletic scholarships, merit-based scholarships, and financial aid

      • How to support an athlete in a recruit interview

      • How to design a tool to help with college selection

Location: Rooms B230–235

USA Fencing College Fair: Featuring more than two dozen schools with NCAA fencing programs, the fair is a not-to-miss chance for rising juniors and seniors to connect with college coaches. To ensure a personal and productive experience, each session is limited to 200 participants, and pre-registration is strongly recommended.

Note: Both sessions are identical, and fencers should choose only one.

4–4:30 p.m.: Check-in for Session 1

4:30–6 p.m.: College Fair, Session 1

5:30–6 p.m.: Check-in for Session 2

6:15–7:45 p.m.: College Fair, Session 2

Preregister for the College Fair

Location: Rooms B130–131
Note: On this day, the Recruiting 101 and Education Bootcamp are offered again, in an effort to give families scheduling flexibility.

Serving as a comprehensive guide to the recruiting process, this panel provides vital information on the key dates and timelines every high school athlete and parent should be aware of. It includes pointers on effective communication strategies with college coaches.

A paid opportunity with separate sessions for athletes and parents, focusing on effective strategies for navigating the college recruitment landscape. A single registration fee of $29 covers both one athlete and one parent/caregiver, providing valuable perspectives tailored specifically to each group’s needs.

Register for the Bootcamp here

• Athlete Education Bootcamp: How to Standout in the Recruiting Process: Tips and insights on making yourself more in demand with college coaches. High school students only.

  • How to interview with college coaches — questions you can expect, questions you should ask, how to professionally handle yourself during interviews.

  • How to put together must-read recruiting emails and building a perfect fencing resume. 

• Parent Education Bootcamp: Being an NCAA Parent: Supporting your athlete through recruitment and retention in college fencing. Parents of high school athletes only.

  • Seminar with the NCAA coach on being a parent through the college process.

    • This seminar will approach the parent role in the recruiting process and beyond. Attendees will come away with knowledge of:

      • The benefits of being a college athlete

      • The college recruiting timeline and rules of recruiting

      • Athletic scholarships, merit-based scholarships, and financial aid

      • How to support an athlete in a recruit interview

      • How to design a tool to help with college selection