Fencing gives your kid a competitive edge during college admissions
Fencing can offer students a unique advantage during competitive college applications. With its combination of athletic skill, strategic thinking, and discipline, fencing helps students stand out to top universities, including Ivy League schools. Whether through NCAA recruitment or by strengthening an application, fencing can be the key to securing placement at elite institutions.
How to turn a love of fencing into an academic opportunity
A strong youth fencing career can significantly enhance a student’s college application, setting them apart in during increasingly competitive college application processes.
Unlike more common high school sports, fencing has a smaller talent pool, making top-ranking fencers highly desirable to NCAA programs. Many prestigious universities, including Ivy League schools, actively recruit skilled fencers for their varsity teams. Even at schools without NCAA fencing programs, a strong fencing background demonstrates discipline, perseverance, and leadership—qualities that top institutions highly value.
Beyond recruitment, fencing showcases a student’s ability to balance rigorous training with academic excellence, a key factor in holistic admissions reviews. Admissions officers look for candidates who can manage demanding schedules while excelling in multiple areas. Competitive fencers often travel for tournaments, compete at national and international levels, and train intensively—all while maintaining strong GPAs. This level of commitment signals to colleges that a student is not only talented but also resilient and capable of thriving in a challenging academic environment.
Additionally, fencing provides valuable opportunities for leadership and personal growth. Many fencers take on mentorship roles, assist in coaching younger athletes, or participate in community outreach programs related to the sport. Highlighting these experiences in a college application—through personal statements, supplemental essays, and letters of recommendation—further strengthens a student’s case for admission.
Whether through direct athletic recruitment or by enhancing an applicant’s profile, fencing can be a powerful tool for securing a place at a top-tier university.
Sheridan alumni have earned admission to…
The fencing-to-college journey
The path from beginner fencer to college recruit is a strategic and rewarding journey. Here’s how dedicated athletes can position themselves for success in Ivy League and top-tier university admissions:
Start early and build strong fundamentals
Begin fencing at a young age to develop technical skills, discipline, and a passion for the sport.
Train consistently with experienced coaches and participate in local competitions to gain experience.
Compete at regional & national levels
Progress to higher-level tournaments, such as Super Youth Circuits (SYC) and Regional Open Circuits (ROC).
Earn national rankings through North American Cups (NAC) and USA Fencing Championships.
Balance academics & athletics
Maintain strong grades and standardized test scores while managing intensive fencing training.
Showcase time management, leadership, and perseverance in college applications.
Engage in the college recruitment process
Research NCAA fencing programs and connect with coaches at target schools.
Attend recruitment camps, submit fencing resumes, and highlight achievements in applications.
With dedication and strategic planning, fencing can open doors to elite college opportunities. Want to start kid on the path from beginner fencer to college student? We offer classes for all ages an skills levels, starting as young as four. Our internationally-acclaimed coaches have the skills to coach your child from their early days through to the highest levels of competition in the support. Get start with a free class, for find the program that’s the right fit for your child.
Top colleges with fencing scholarships and teams
Many top universities offer NCAA fencing programs, providing student-athletes with opportunities for recruitment and scholarships. Below are some of the top colleges where competitive fencers can continue their athletic and academic journey.
Harvard University
Stanford University
University of Pennsylvania
Princeton University
Penn State University
Columbia University
Cornell University
Yale University
Brown University
Vassar College
Penn State University
John Hopkins University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Boston College
Duke University
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Why choose Sheridan as your fencing school
Sheridan Fencing Academy is known for its world-class coaching, proven track record of success, and commitment to developing both elite athletes and well-rounded individuals. Our experienced coaches provide top-tier instruction, guiding students from their first steps in fencing to national and international competition. With a structured training approach that emphasizes technical skill, strategic thinking, and mental resilience, Sheridan students consistently excel at the highest levels. Many of our fencers have gone on to compete in NCAA programs and gain admission to prestigious universities, including Ivy League schools.
Beyond competition, Sheridan’s coaching philosophy prioritizes personal growth, sportsmanship, and discipline. We create an environment where students not only become exceptional fencers but also develop the qualities that top colleges seek—dedication, perseverance, and leadership. With a strong support system and expert mentorship, we help fencers navigate their journey to collegiate fencing, ensuring they are fully prepared for success both on and off the strip.
Our coaches
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Jason Sheridan
Sheridan Fencing Academy founder Jason Sheridan is the first American-born coach in history to train a World Champion in sabre. He has developed many of the top fencers in the US, including the 2018 National Champion, 2016 & 2014 NCAA Champion, 2013 Junior World Champion and silver medalist, and the 2012 Junior Olympic Champion.
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Louis Montorio
Louis Montorio is our Westchester Head Coach and a highly experienced mentor. Coach Lou has guided students from beginners to Regional Champions and National Medalists. He is the 2018 National Champion, a six-time national silver medalist, and many-times national finalist. His passion for fencing, combined with his coaching expertise and personal achievements, inspires fencers on their journey to success.
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Zack Brown
Zack Brown is one of the most well-known coaches and referees in the United States. He has coached Junior World Team members, Vet World Team members, Division I National Champions, and European Cadet Cup winners. As a fencer, Zack represented Team USA on the Senior World Cup circuit and has medaled at multiple Division I events.
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Salvatore "Sal" Centanni
Sal Centanni started fencing when he was eight years old. His passion for the sport led him to become one of the top-ranked fencers in the country, representing the U.S. at multiple World Cup competitions. Coach Sal was the 2017 Junior Olympic Champion, the 2015 Junior Olympic Bronze Medalist, the 2013 National Champion, and he was ranked tenth in the country in Division I, the highest competitive level of the sport.
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Valera Baranovsky
Valera Baranovsky started fencing in 1985 in the former Soviet Union, where he first developed his love of the sport. He later continued his athletic career in the U.S., training and competing in New York City fencing clubs. Coach Valera is driven to help children develop the same passion for fencing that he discovered when he was first introduced to the sport, so that they may achieve any level of success they desire.
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Laura Decker
Laura Decker is one of the top and most respected fencing referees in the world, regularly officiating at the highest levels of national and international competition, including World Championships. Laura graduated from Caltech, where she was the first female fencer to qualify for the NCAA Championships.