Meet the First-Ever U.S. Parafencing National Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — For the first time in history, USA Fencing has designated an official U.S. Parafencing National Team, marking a major milestone for the sport and a new direction for elite parafencing as we build toward the LA28 Paralympics. 

Among the inaugural members is Scott Rodgers PLY, the last American to medal in wheelchair fencing at the Paralympics. Rodgers, who was also recently elected to an Athlete Director position on the USA Fencing Board of Directors, joins four Paralympians from the Paris 2024 Games on the initial five-person squad. 

The inaugural team members are:

• Ellen Geddes PLY
• Victoria Isaacson PLY
• Scott Rodgers PLY
• Garrett Schoonover PLY
• Jataya Taylor PLY

Today’s news signals a significant step forward in the evolution of parafencing in the United States. Athletes earned their spots on the National Team based on a combination of national and international competition results, as well as evaluations by USA Fencing’s coaching staff, led by head coach Eric Soyka. 

The establishment of an official National Team is more than just a fancy new name for a group of talented athletes. The system will enable a more structured and robust approach to athlete development, aligning with USA Fencing’s Strategic Plan, which tasks us with growing and elevating parafencing.

“We are really excited to have an official U.S. Parafencing National Team and what this step forward will do for the program,” says Beth Mahr, USA Fencing’s Parafencing Manager. “We will be able to tailor training camps, provide better athlete support and services, and create an upward pressure within the program for athletes to set clear goals and benchmarks to achieving national team status. Ultimately, we know this will better develop our athletes to qualify and compete at the Paralympic Games.”

The creation of the U.S. Parafencing National Team follows a series of strategic changes aimed at strengthening the parafencing pipeline. As we announced in July, these changes include the introduction of a domestic classification process and a tiered athlete pipeline with categories for Elite, Emerging, Development and Recreational athletes. It’s all designed to nurture talent at every level and create a continuous flow of competitive athletes who can represent the U.S. on the world stage.

“Creating this National Team is about more than just recognizing our top athletes,” says Eric Soyka, USA Fencing’s Parafencing National Head Coach. “It’s about building a system that fosters excellence and inclusivity. With this team in place, we can better focus on individualized training, athlete support and long-term development. It’s an exciting time to be part of parafencing in this country.”

The National Team designation represents a step beyond the traditional “pay-to-play” model, which has historically limited access to elite-level resources for some athletes. This is an significant step toward a selection process mirroring the one used for able-bodied or Olympic fencing.

With this shift, National Team members will have access to tailored training camps, enhanced athlete services and support from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. That means a clearer pathway to success at the Paralympic Games and other international events.

And what about those athletes who show promise but have not yet met the criteria for National Team status? They’ll join the Emerging athlete pool, introduced as part of USA Fencing’s new parafencing pipeline. That status includes targeted development programs to ensure these athletes are well-prepared to advance within the sport as we approach the Paralympics in 2028, 2032 and beyond. This group will also include athletes who plan to take some time away from competition immediately following the Paralympic Games Paris 2024, such as Byron Branch PLY and Noah Hanssen PLY.