Meet the USA Fencing Athlete Council for 2024-2028: Champions for Fencers, by Fencers

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — For fencers across the nation, the USA Fencing Athlete Council (AC) serves as an invaluable bridge between athletes and the organization, amplifying the voices of those on the frontlines of the sport we love. 

Today, we’re pleased to introduce the Athlete Council for the 2024-2028 quad — a group of athletes ready to support fencers in every weapon by advocating for their needs, enhancing communication and ensuring athlete representation in critical decisions. In short, they’re here to help fencers like you — especially with weapon-specific questions or concerns.

Athletes who have competed internationally in the past 10 years were given a chance to put themselves into the running for the Athlete Council. In cases where more than one athlete wished to be considered for the role, an election was held where only individuals who have competed internationally in that weapon in the past 10 years were able to vote.

That process is complete, and now we’re excited to announce the 2024-2028 AC. 

The AC is composed of exceptional athletes who bring both their competitive experience and their dedication to serving the USA Fencing community:

• Women’s Epee: Kat Holmes OLY
• Men’s Epee: Ari Simmons
• Women’s Foil: Lee Kiefer OLY
• Men’s Foil: Gerek Meinhardt OLY
• Women’s Saber: Elizabeth Tartakovsky OLY
• Men’s Saber: Jonah Shainberg
• Women’s Parafencing: Ellen Geddes PLY
• Men’s Parafencing: Scott Rodgers PLY
• Ex-Officio Members: Daria Schneider, Jackie Dubrovich OLY and Lauryn DeLuca PLY

Let’s also take a moment to thank the dedicated outgoing members of the Athlete Council for their service. Jake Hoyle, Rick Swauger, Khalil Thompson OLY, Francesca Russo OLY, Cody Mattern OLY, Ben Bratton and Nzingha Prescod OLY have been instrumental in advocating for fencers’ needs. Thank you for your service to our community!

The AC is a diverse group of fencers who represent every weapon discipline, including parafencing. Its mission is threefold:

• Representation: The AC plays a key role in selecting athletes for positions within USA Fencing, ensuring that athletes' perspectives are considered in the organization’s leadership.
• Advocacy: The council advises USA Fencing’s Board of Directors and the Chair on issues important to athletes, from competition policies to the resources available to athletes at every level. They are also key advisors for the Sport Performance team and national coaches, contributing their insights to help shape training, selection and competition policies.
• Support: The AC acts as a first point of contact for athletes who have questions, concerns or grievances. Whether you’re facing a challenge related to team selection, need advice on grievance procedures or simply want to voice a concern, your AC representative is there to listen and guide you. You can contact members of the AC by emailing ac@usafencing.org.

If you have questions about selection procedures, concerns about athlete welfare or feedback you’d like to share, your Athlete Council representatives are ready to help. Reach out to the AC member in your weapon discipline for support and advice, or contact the AC collectively through USA Fencing by emailing ac@usafencing.org.

Every interaction is handled with respect and confidentiality, making the Athlete Council a trusted ally for all USA Fencing athletes.