Five hours into a weekend tournament, long after their own bouts have ended, Blake fencers still line the strip, cheering, coaching, and watching every touch. Though fencing is often seen as an individual sport, Blakeís program has built a culture that turns competition into collaboration.      

     According to Captain Luca Racciatti, 27, one of the team’s greatest strengths is the way experienced fencers help others improve. “We’ve got a lot of highly skilled fencers who train in the off-season,” Racciatti said. What really sets us apart is that they’re really good at teaching other fencers how to compete well. Everyone helps each other do better. This emphasis on shared learning allows the entire team to grow together.

     Captain Stella Wyatt, 27, echoed this idea, noting that many Blake fencers are highly committed to the sport outside of school practices. She explained that many team members train on their own time, which contributes to the teamís consistent performance. Wyatt also pointed out that Blakeís coaching focuses on a wide variety of strategies, helping fencers adapt during matches and gain an advantage over other teams.      

     Although fencing is an individual sport, team support plays a major role during competitions. Wyatt shared that tournaments often bring teammates closer together. Tournaments are really long, so once you’re done fencing, you’re usually cheering on your teammates, she said. It makes it easier to support each other and brings everyone closer. She recalled a recent tournament where multiple Blake fencers competed against one another, with teammates lining the sidelines to cheer for both competitors.

     Madeleine Hou, 26, emphasized how this encouragement impacts performance. She explained that while fencing can feel intimidating at first, the team works hard to create a welcoming environment. Hou also noted that many fencers feel nervous before a match, but once they begin fencing, focus and confidence take over. A lot of fencing is thinking on your feet, she said, adding that the team atmosphere helps fencers stay calm and clear-headed.     

     Many team members joined fencing simply out of curiosity. Racciatti shared that he began fencing because a friend’s parents introduced him to the sport, while Hou said she joined because she wanted to try something new. What kept them involved, however, was the supportive and positive community. Through commitment, mentorship, and encouragement, the Blake fencing team continues to find success both on and off the strip.