Carla-Mae Richards, USA Fencing’s First Full-Time Executive Director and Pioneer of the NAC Tournament Format, Dies at 88

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Carla-Mae Richards, whose indomitable spirit and relentless dedication forged the modern era of American fencing, died this week. She was 88. As USA Fencing’s first full-time Executive Director, Richards’ tenure was characterized by groundbreaking reforms and a belief that U.S. fencers could achieve more success on the international stage.

Born on April 7, 1936, Richards’ introduction to fencing was almost serendipitous. Her journey into the sport began in her late teens, spurred by her father’s urging.

“He decided at one point that I needed to learn better balance,” she shared in the SabreCoachKate podcast. “So put me in ballet school. And that worked for about three months. And then he discovered fencing at the Henry Hudson Hotel. And he says, ‘Why don't you try this? Because it gives you balance, poise, and it's athletic.”

Richards remembers looking up to fencers like Albie Axelrod and eventually became a skilled fencer in her own right, even fencing collegiately at Brandeis.

Richards’ professional journey in fencing started from similarly humble beginnings. 

After volunteering at local and national levels, she became a cornerstone of the fencing community long before she would officially lead it. In August 1982, her informal leadership role became official when the United States Fencing Association inaugurated its national office at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, appointing Richards as its steward the following year.

Her tenure as Executive Director from 1983 to 1994 was transformative, marked by the initiation of the North American Cup tournament series, a cornerstone of competitive fencing in the United States today. 

Richards’ vision was clear: to elevate American fencing to global prominence.

“In order to have the best team internationally — we weren't winning medals — we needed some kind of system,” Richards said on the podcast. “We needed to give athletes stronger competitions, not just the local ones. So we said, ‘let's have a national circuit.’”

The North American Cup (NAC) format became a pivotal platform for American fencers, offering consistent, high-level competition that prepared them for international success. Richards' implementation of this format not only boosted the competitive edge of American fencers but also fostered a sense of community and continuity within the sport. 

Today, NACs are highlights of the fencing calendar, providing athletes with regular opportunities to gather, compete and gain valuable experience.

Another significant contribution was Richards’ role in spearheading the Athlete Handbook in 1999, which she co-edited for 14 years. The handbook became an essential resource for athletes, coaches and officials.

Colleagues and friends remember her as a pioneer who broke glass ceilings with grace and tenacity. Stacey Johnson lauded her for showing that women could aspire to and excel in leadership roles within sports. Jon Moss reminisced about her unparalleled knowledge and the depth of her friendship.

“Some people claim to know everything, but Carla surely did,” he said, “and she had the humility to seek answers when needed, always remaining a great friend.”

Richards was also celebrated for her encyclopedic knowledge of the sport. Michael Marx affectionately dubbed her the “Encyclopedia of USA Fencing,” highlighting her role as the go-to source for knowledge and history in the sport.

In her own words from a 2014 candidacy statement for the USA Fencing Board of Directors, Richards reflected on the sport’s evolution. 

“I have marveled at the growth of the sport from the early ‘80s when we struggled to approach 10,000 in members to the current membership of more than 20,000. Even more important, I have been involved from the days when we had few participating in international competitions other than World Championships and Olympic Games to the current days where medals abound for U.S. athletes at international events throughout the year at every level — cadet, junior, and senior — and in all six weapons.”

As the fencing community mourns her passing, we also celebrate the legacy of a woman who was not only a guardian of American fencing but also a beacon of progress.

"I am personally indebted to Carla Mae," says USA Fencing Board member and former president Donald Alperstein. "She is one of the giants who mentored and encouraged me in my early years in the sport."