It would seem you need to do a bit more posting especially considering the eloquence and insights you provide.
My child is also a rising senior who has competed the past three years. Whereas I came relatively late to this thread, “guru” status notwithstanding, we too were helped by the graciousness of those who came before us. At almost every competition at which my son has attended, from the first to the most recent, some parent or fencer has helped, educated or just said a kind word at the right time. This is an incredible community of smart, funny, and kind people; one in which we feel so grateful to participate.
For purposes of this thread, all should feel welcome, whether by public post or DM to inquire, learn and share their experiences. Those of us who established the thread and act as “gurus” are actually among a host of parents and fencers here who have a wealth of experience which they share openly and eloquently. Each also has their own contacts with coaches and fencing team members. However, I concur that those of us a bit more established on the thread have a lot of contacts and can often reach out to coaches and/or team members for information.
The basis for open communication is anonymity. While it is nice to connect, maybe finding someone on the thread you already know from innumerable NACs, people are more frank about their experiences anonymously. This provides current, fresh insights without the accompanying risks.
As you point out, a team’s culture often shifts even if the coaches remain constant. Interestingly, in my experience, this is often due to one fencer whose force of personality alters the ethos of the team. I have seen this swing both ways, one team swinging to an extreme “alpha” personality, another toning down a historically more “entitled” tone for a bit more class. It’s all in the mix with a bit of perception added.
There is no cap on the potential joy of a college team experience, whatever the Division or club, whatever the individual’s position on the team. There will always be those favored to fence the big tournaments, compete at regionals and ultimately on to the NCAA Championships. But I have seen the unexpected where unheralded fencers get their shot with some taking tremendous advantage of their moment in the spotlight.
It is one of my lone regrets in reviewing this thread that the focus often shifts to the podium and the medal. This skews the experience, both during recruiting as well as in college competition. The big grades and scores support those that are less, often allowing recruitment of fencers who might not otherwise be recruitable. This has been and continues to be true for some of the top recruits including National Champions. In our personal experience, it is also the “academic recruits” who tutor teammates. To take nothing away from their fencing or competitive drive, it is also those fencers who cheer the loudest, show up for every practice, and leave their heart and soul on the strip every time they have an opportunity to compete. There is no serious competitor for a National Championship or other competitive honors not comprised of a successful combination of the more well known and those less known but by no means less important.
Most importantly, NCAA, club and all forms of college fencing are first and foremost about the “team” and coaches weigh this heavily in evaluating recruits. Sometimes the “star” recruit is not a match and can even damage a team. Not that these are passed on often when given the opportunity, but it does happen. Those of high character, whether at the forefront or not are ultimately the bedrock of a successful team.
So all should feel free to share their personal experiences, reach out to those of us with a bit more experience and contacts, and to take advantage of the evolving knowledge base of this thread.
