The Unyielding Pursuit of Julie Seal

In a world where sports heroes are often made of flashy highlights and record-breaking feats, Julie Seal stands out as a champion of substance, resilience, passion, and perseverance. As a six-time world champion, Seal has cemented her place in the fencing world but has also become a beacon of hope for those seeking to make the sport more accessible and inclusive.

Seal's love affair with fencing began in college, where she stumbled upon the sport as an alternative to softball. It wasn't the sword fights or the strategy that initially drew her in, but the instructor. Yet, as she delved deeper into the world of fencing, Seal discovered a sense of purpose and belonging. 

Despite the sport's relative obscurity in Utah at the time, Seal sought out training opportunities and honed her skills. This unwavering dedication would become the hallmark of Seal's career. Setbacks serve as fuel for Seal, channeling her energy into refining her technique, sharpening her strategic thinking, and cultivating the resilience that would ultimately define her legacy as an athlete and coach.

Seal's impact on the fencing world extends far beyond her impressive list of accolades. As a coach and mentor, she has dedicated herself to sharing her knowledge and expertise with the next generation of fencers. Her approach to coaching is characterized by a unique blend of technical precision, clear communication, and empathy. 

As a mother of five, Seal has also had to navigate the challenges of balancing her personal and professional life. Yet, she has found that fencing provides her with a sense of calm and focus, a way to thrive in the demands of parenting and coaching.  ”I learned to organize my fencing and that skill of organizing what is happening on the strip became like a meditation for me and helps with all of these hats that I wear everywhere else.” This synergy between her personal and professional pursuits has allowed Seal to approach her work with renewed energy and passion.

The creation of Valkyrie Fencing, a club dedicated to making fencing more accessible and inclusive, represents the culmination of Seal's life's work. Named after the legendary Norse warriors, Valkyrie Fencing embodies Seal's vision of a sport that is truly for everyone. Seal's commitment to inclusivity is more than just a philosophical nicety; it is a deeply personal conviction. She has witnessed the transformative power of fencing, particularly for neurodiverse athletes. By providing a safe and supportive space for all athletes to thrive, Seal hopes to create a more inclusive and compassionate fencing community.

As Seal looks to the future, she remains driven by a sense of purpose and passion. “ I'm so thankful that we have so many people who love fencing as much as I do. I'm excited to fence anyone. I will fence anyone from the vet eighties to the 10 year olds -  if they want to fence, I'm like, perfect. I just love it. I love playing the game I, and I love the people in the sport…and having a relationship and being a part of the community, being a part of your community.”

Whether she's competing, coaching, or advocating for greater accessibility in fencing, Seal's mission remains the same: to ensure that anyone who wants to fence has the opportunity to do so. Through Valkyrie Fencing, her coaching, and her advocacy, Seal is not just shaping athletes; she is shaping the future of fencing itself.