A Historic Win for Women’s Fencing: NCAA Division I Council Backs New Championship Title

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — For decades, college fencing’s top men and women have dueled for a single combined NCAA team title, with Notre Dame winning the most recent crown. 

But that could soon change in dramatic fashion. This week, the NCAA Division I Council voted to support crowning separate men’s and women’s team champions in fencing — effectively doubling the glory on the collegiate strip.

For the change to take effect, the Councils of Divisions II and III must also approve it; their votes are scheduled for late July.

The rationale is simple: under the current format, women’s-only teams (sponsored by nine schools) are statistically unable to win the co-ed national championship, making the playing field inherently uneven. By introducing a dedicated women’s championship, more than 150 additional student-athletes each year would gain a shot at winning a national title of their own. 

The decision also opens the door for colleges that might prefer to launch women‑only programs — institutions that previously hesitated because there was no realistic path to an NCAA title.

It’s an exciting step that will have the fencing world buzzing, especially those who have long pushed for equal recognition of women’s teams. 

This victory didn’t happen overnight. USA Fencing’s leadership has been quietly laying the groundwork for years as part of its 2024‑28 Strategic Plan, which calls for deeper NCAA partnerships and more collegiate programs. 

Last year, thanks in part to USA Fencing’s advocacy, the NCAA and USOPC selected fencing as a “focus sport” — one of only three to receive that designation — following recommendations from a working group of USA Fencing, NCAA and USOPC leaders, plus collegiate athletes, coaches and administrators.

“This is a historic win for women’s fencing and for our entire sport,” says USA Fencing CEO Phil Andrews. “We’ve been working toward this moment, and I’m thrilled the NCAA recognized how important this change is for our female athletes and the future of collegiate fencing.” 

Andrews notes that creating separate men’s and women’s championships will not only correct a longstanding inequity but also fuel the sport’s growth. After all, a fair shot at a championship can encourage more schools to invest in fencing programs and more young athletes to pursue the sport in college. 

“Our mission is to grow the sport, and that means ensuring women have equal chances to stand on that podium,” says Brad Suchorski, USA Fencing’s Director of Membership, Service & Growth. “The NCAA’s move sends a powerful message to every young woman picking up a foil, epee or saber: there’s a championship out there with your name on it.” 

Suchorski emphasizes that when women see their hard work culminating in a championship of their own, it sparks greater participation and passion at all levels. The new title could become a rallying point for recruitment, helping fencing flourish in high schools, colleges and clubs alike – a key goal for USA Fencing’s community growth efforts. 

There’s one final hurdle before women’s collegiate fencing can officially claim its own crown. Because NCAA fencing is a unique National Collegiate Championship that includes schools from Division I, II and III, the change must also be approved by Divisions II and III. 

Those divisions are expected to consider the proposal at meetings in July, and signs are optimistic that they’ll follow suit. Should that happen, the first-ever NCAA women’s fencing team trophy could be awarded as early as the next championship season.