USA Fencing

Update (5/13): The deadline has been extended to noon (Mountain Time) on Monday, May 30.

Fencing helps young people think strategically, consider every angle and be quick on their feet.

Because of this fact, most fencers and their families aren’t surprised to see those on-the-strip skills translate to in-the-classroom success — and vice versa. 

Applications are now open for two annual programs that help recognize outstanding fencers whose talents shine in high school.

The USA Fencing High School All-American Program and Absolute Fencing Gear All-Academic Team recognize high school-age fencers who excel in the classroom and on the fencing strip.

Applications are now open, and the deadline for each program is May 30, 2022. May 13, 2022.

Those selected for either program (or both) will receive a certificate, a limited-edition gift and an opportunity to purchase program-specific apparel.

Each year, USA Fencing recognizes the best high school fencers in the country with its High School All-American Program.

To be eligible, a high school student must:

• Be a current USA Fencing Access, Competitive, Life or Life Installment Member.
• Be in ninth through 12th grade at a secondary school or in a home school program. (No post-graduate fencers will be considered.)
• Have earned or renewed an “E” rating or higher in the current fencing season.
• Be in good academic standing at their school.
• Have displayed exceptional character as an athlete, a student and a community member.

There are three All-American Teams:

• First Team USA Fencing All-American: Must have earned or renewed an “A” or “B” during the current competitive season and satisfied other requirements.
• Second Team USA Fencing All-American: Must have earned or renewed a “C” or “D” during the current competitive season and satisfied other requirements.
• Honorable Mention Team USA Fencing All-American: Must have earned or renewed an “E” during the current competitive season and satisfied other requirements.

To learn more and apply, visit this page.

USA Fencing and our partners at Absolute Fencing Gear salute high school fencers with exceptional GPAs through the Absolute Fencing Gear All-Academic Team.

To be eligible for selection, athletes must meet certain GPA requirements.

• All-Academic First Team: GPA of at least 3.85 (94) or better in core academic classes and in the top 25% of their class
• All-Academic Second Team: GPA between 3.4 and 3.84 (83 to 93) in core academic classes

Absolute Fencing will also award a combined $10,000 in scholarship money to four worthy fencers selected to the All-Academic Team. To be eligible, applicants must write a 500-word essay reflecting on their time in fencing. (Note: The essay is only required for fencers who wish to be considered for the Absolute Fencing Gear Scholarship. If you’re only applying to be named to the All-Academic Team, you don’t need to submit an essay.)

After reviewing the essays, Absolute Fencing Gear will award one female and one male applicant $4,000 each based on both their GPA and essay. Two additional applicants will receive $1,000 each based on their submitted essay.

Note: A letter of recommendation is also required to be eligible for the Absolute Fencing Gear scholarships.

To learn more and apply, visit this page.