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Don’t Miss Our College Fair and College Conversations Panels at Summer Nationals in Phoenix

06/07/2023, 9:15am CDT
By Bryan Wendell

The two-day event will cover a variety of topics — from the benefits of fencing in college to a can’t-miss overview of the recruiting process. There’s even a Collegiate Fair with 15 schools in attendance.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — College Conversations is back, and it’s bigger than ever. After the success of our College Conversations panels at the 2023 Junior Olympics in Denver, USA Fencing is delighted to bring this popular series to our Summer Nationals tournament in Phoenix this year.

The two-day event will cover a variety of topics — from the benefits of fencing in college, to first-hand perspectives on balancing fencing with a rigorous academic courseload, to a can’t-miss overview of the recruiting process.

On July 3, we’re proud to debut the inaugural USA Fencing Collegiate Fair. Unlike the panels, which are open to anyone who wishes to attend, the USA Fencing Collegiate Fair is open only to rising high school juniors and seniors. (Documentation will be required; see the Collegiate Fair section below.)

Location: Room 122ABC at the Phoenix Convention Center

Here’s what’s on offer:

Collegiate Club Panel

Date and Time: July 2, 11 a.m. to noon

Description: Want to continue your fencing journey in college, but at the recreational level? This panel will inform fencers that NCAA programs are not the only path to collegiate fencing and will shed light on the number of schools that have club fencing, provide general information regarding the United States Association of Collegiate Fencing Clubs, speak about the benefits of club fencing, and teach you how to go about creating or finding the fencing club at your university once you arrive on college.

 

NCAA Student Athlete Panel

Date and Time: July 2, 2 to 3 p.m.

Description: Offering a firsthand perspective on the realities of being a fencing student-athlete, this panel delves into the balance of managing rigorous academic loads alongside NCAA commitments. Attendees can gain insights into navigating the demands of both the athletic and academic spheres.

 

Yes, You Can Fence in College! Panel

Date and Time: July 2, 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Description: This panel aims to shed light on the availability of fencing as a college sport. The session intends to reassure students that fencing is indeed an attainable and supported sport in numerous universities, even for students who may not be recruited by their first choice.

 

Recruiting 101: Do's and Don'ts of Reaching out to College Coaches

Dates and Times: July 2, 6:30 - 8 p.m. & July 3, 9 - 10 a.m.

Description: Serving as a comprehensive guide to the recruiting process, this panel provides vital information on the key dates and timelines every high school athlete and parent should be aware of. It includes pointers on effective communication strategies with college coaches.

 

USA Fencing Collegiate Fair

Date and Time: July 3, 6:30 to 8 p.m. 

Description: Representatives from 15 NCAA programs will be in attendance at USA Fencing’s first Collegiate Fair.  

Important Note: Fencers must be rising Juniors or Seniors to enter the fair. Fencers must provide verification of their grade by providing either a student ID or an official document from their school along with their membership card. Before entering, they’ll receive a color-coded wristband based on their grade. (The wristbands ensure that recruiting violations don’t occur. For example, Division I colleges in attendance may only talk with rising seniors).

We highly recommend athletes bring a copy of their fencing resume so that they can provide it to coaches they speak with. You can find a good example of a good fencing resume in the link below.

Schedule at a Glance

Date Event Time
July 2 Collegiate Club Panel 11 a.m. - noon
NCAA Student Athlete Panel 2 - 3 p.m.
Yes, You Can Fence in College! Panel 4:30 - 6 p.m.
Recruiting 101: Do's and Don'ts of Reaching out to College Coaches 6:30 - 8 p.m.
July 3 Recruiting 101: Do's and Don'ts of Reaching out to College Coaches 9 - 10 a.m.
USA Fencing Collegiate Fair* 6:30 - 8 p.m.

*For rising high school juniors and seniors only. Proof of grade level is required; see “Important Note” above.

Tag(s): Updates  2023 Summer Nationals