USA Fencing Partners With Masters Academy International to Launch Historic First National Performance Center and Academy for Fencing

USA Fencing Becomes First National Governing Body to Unveil Academy and Feature National Performance Center in Massachusetts

Masters Academy International and Town of Stow Unveil $56 Million Redevelopment Project to Create Powerhouse Sports and Education Complex for Fencing and Ten Other Sports

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. & STOW, MASS., July 31, 2025 - USA Fencing has partnered with Masters Academy International (MAI) - a new boarding school and sports institute, backed by Cognita, a leading global school group with over 100 schools across 17 countries - to create the country’s first dedicated National Performance Center and National Academy for fencing.

The historic partnership will be part of a new $56 million redevelopment project with MAI and the Town of Stow, Mass, that will result in a dynamic, multi-use sports and education complex that will educate and train young athletes across fencing and ten other sports.

The new complex will become the official home of the U.S. National Training Center for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of fencing and will make USA Fencing the first National Governing Body (NGB) to unveil a comprehensive academy model and have their National Performance Center in Massachusetts. 

USA Fencing’s National Performance Center and Academy at MAI is expected to open in the fall of 2026.  With clinics, camps, and National Team activities, the complex will be tailored from the ground up for fencing, complete with high-ceilings and expansive fencing halls, recovery suites, sport-science labs, state-of-the-art weight training centers, outdoor fields, and on-site dorms.

“Our partnership with MAI is a game-changer for our athletes, our membership, and the sport of fencing,” said Phil Andrews, CEO of USA Fencing. “We’re taking the proven blueprint of sports and academic academies and are applying it to fencing, ensuring that today’s youth fencers — wherever they train — can see a clear pathway to collegiate and international success while establishing a year-round presence in a state that is a heartland of our sport.”

State Rep. Kate Hogan of Stow spearheaded a team of Massachusetts officials from the Healey-Driscoll Administration to welcome and support the MAI effort.

"Bringing the Olympic & Paralympic sport of fencing to Stow, as part of this new powerhouse sports academy, will result in numerous exciting economic development opportunities for the Town and the region. I was honored to play a role in connecting local interests with state support to help the bid succeed," said Rep. Hogan said. "Stow's proximity to major airports and highways, as well as access to world class athletes and the Masters Academy's desirable facilities, all helped make this the right decision for USA Fencing."

Richard Odell, CEO of MIA, said “Our four-pillar model including college preparatory academics, athletic specializations, life skill development, and career preparation including internship experiences will be second to none.  We believe MAI will provide students the opportunity to excel well beyond their own expectations and be well prepared for life.”

As well as fencing, the complex will feature ten other sports — baseball, basketball, esports, equestrian riding, figure skating, golf, hockey, soccer, lacrosse, and softball - and will involve more than 600 students in grades 6-12 plus post-graduates.  

Students will benefit from five hours of academic instruction and four hours dedicated to sports training daily. This structure enables students to accumulate more than 2,880 hours of sports-specific training throughout grades 6-12.

Overall, MAI will renovate a 312,000-square-foot building in Stow into learning hubs and student housing, a dining room with a commercial kitchen, and a facility for sports and performance training. Turf soccer, lacrosse and baseball fields will be built on 40 acres of cleared, flat land.

About USA Fencing

USA Fencing is the national governing body for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of fencing in the United States. Our mission is to grow and promote the sport of fencing in the United States, honor its rich traditions, and achieve sustained competitive international excellence. In USA Fencing, our athletes are strong and competitive both on the fencing strip and in life — a reminder that fencing provides physical and mental benefits that last a lifetime. 

Learn more about USA Fencing at usafencing.org or follow USA Fencing on X (@USAFencing), Instagram (@usafencing), Facebook (@USAFencing) and YouTube (@USAFencing).

About Masters Academy International

MAI was founded to pioneer the first comprehensive Sports Academy in New England, dedicated to integrating academic excellence with athletic prowess. MAI was co-founded by Peter Masters and Chris Masters, collegiate hockey players and co-owners of the Boston Junior Bruins. Its leadership team includes a former member of the renowned IMG Academy, founded by legendary tennis coach Nick Bolletieri.