Mariel Zagunis OLY Named Women’s Saber Performance Lead for USA Fencing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Few names inspire American fencing like Mariel Zagunis OLY.

That's why USA Fencing is thrilled to name the two-time Olympic champion as Women’s Saber Performance Lead, a role focused on helping athletes reach their potential from junior through senior levels.

Zagunis joins the national staff to work in close partnership with Women’s Saber National Coach Dagmara Wozniak OLY. Together, they’ll support athletes and personal coaches with clear communication, purposeful training environments and a shared commitment to long-term athlete development.

The aim: build consistency, confidence and podium-ready performances across the quad.

“I am beyond excited to support the next generation of US Women's Saber fencers. After competing for over 25 years, making five Olympic teams, and winning multiple world titles, I have retained a wealth of knowledge and experience that I can't wait to pay forward," Zagunis says. "It is a special opportunity to mentor and support the athletes, helping them reach their full potential and goals. Also, I am so proud to once again be teaming up with Dagmara Wozniak!”

“Mariel is a foundational figure in our sport,” says Phil Andrews, USA Fencing CEO. “Her competitive résumé speaks for itself, but what stands out even more is her passion for mentorship and her clarity of purpose. Alongside Daga and our saber athletes, she’ll help strengthen our pathway to LA28 throughout the 2024–28 quad.”

Zagunis is one of the most accomplished saber fencers in history — a two-time Olympic champion in women’s saber (2004 and 2008) and a five-time Olympian. She has captured multiple world titles and World Cup victories and has been a cornerstone of Team USA for more than two decades. Now, she brings that experience to a role designed to guide, support and elevate the next generation of U.S. women’s saber athletes.

• Parafencing National Coach: Eric Soyka
• Women’s Epee National Coach: Natalie Dostert
• Men’s Epee National Coach: Seth Kelsey OLY
• Women’s Foil National Coach: Ralf Bissdorf OLY-GER
• Men’s Foil National Coach: Greg Massialas OLY
• Women’s Saber National Coach: Dagmara Wozniak OLY
• Women’s Saber Performance Lead: Mariel Zagunis OLY
• Men’s Saber National Coach: Aleks Ochocki
• Men’s Saber Performance Lead: Tim Morehouse OLY