45,000-Plus Strong: USA Fencing Caps 2024–25 Season with Record Membership

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — The biggest win of the season isn’t happening on the strip but in the record books: as the 2024–25 season nears its final bout, USA Fencing’s ranks have swelled to an all-time high of 45,157 members, supported by a record 752 affiliated clubs nationwide. 

This unprecedented growth comes on the heels of Team USA’s inspiring performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where American fencers earned four medals and fielded their largest Paralympic fencing team in decades. 

The momentum from Paris has clearly carried over, energizing clubs across the country and welcoming a new wave of fencers into our Olympic and Paralympic sport. “Our fencers, coaches and clubs have truly answered the call this year,” says Phil Andrews, USA Fencing’s CEO. “For us to reach record membership is a testament to the passion in our community and the post-Paris buzz around fencing. We’ve always believed this sport can inspire and unite people, and now 45,000-plus strong, we’re seeing that optimism pay off.” Andrews notes that the organization has already surpassed its long-term club goals, with 752 clubs opening their doors – well ahead of a 700-club target originally set for 2028. 

“The credit goes to our amazing club owners, volunteers and members who make fencing fun and accessible for newcomers every day,” he adds.

The excitement is shared by those on the membership front lines. Brad Suchorski, USA Fencing’s Director of Membership, Service & Growth, calls the record-setting season a starting line rather than a finish.

“Hitting this number is incredibly exciting, but we’re not stopping here,” Suchorski says. “Each of those 45,000-plus members represents a personal fencing journey – and there are countless more people out there who haven’t picked up a foil or sabre yet. Our mission is to welcome them. This milestone just shows what’s possible when our community comes together to grow the sport we love.” 

With the season winding down, USA Fencing is already looking ahead to even bigger things. The challenge now goes out to every current member: bring a friend or family member into the fold. Whether it’s inviting someone to watch a practice or offering to loan them a spare glove, each of us can help fencing flourish. After all, records are made to be broken – and the goal is for this one to last only a single season. 

So let’s keep the momentum going, one new fencer at a time, and make sure 45,000 is just the beginning of USA Fencing’s growth story.