Sergey, my dad, has been my coach since I was nine years old. As a small child I watched him win many fencing competitions, in awe of his shiny medals. When I started fencing, my elementary school friends thought I was taking "Pirate Lessons" and would come try fencing with my dad as their instructor. Some stuck with the sport and some didn't, but they all got a glimpse of what fencing can teach you: strength, discipline, and respect for self and others. Because of the years I spent training with my dad, I was able to fence on my college team, where I made many friends and eventually became a team captain. When I got a job teaching fencing at a summer camp, I tried every day to make fencing as fun, safe, and exciting for my campers as Sergey did for me and my friends.

Maria Schindler