The Only College Fencing Recruiting Thread You Need to Read

Athletic Recruits
1964

Your son’s request to get back to the coach in March is very reasonable. It does not sound as if your son committed to this school, even in principle, so I don’t think it is in bad faith should your son opt to commit elsewhere. He can certainly ask for more time. You must, however, be prepared either for the coach to decline to give more time and/or for the coach to formally commit to someone else while your son is deciding. If his current option is what I refer to as a “big box” school, the coach is probably casting a wide net and will have other options.

Personally, I would not verbally commit and then renege. I think this is in bad faith and does not set a good example for the athlete, while also seriously disrespecting the coach. Reneging probably won’t come to bite in the immediacy of the decision, but it tends to be one of those things that gnaws at the inside of otherwise healthy fruit.

Congratulations (so far) and good luck!

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1965

Hi- thanks for your input. Just a clarification… my DS told the coach “March” but now feels like he needs more time. Knowing he needs to give an answer by end of March is making him very stressed! But regardless, your points are well taken re: big box (it is) and not reneging on a yes later down the road. Its unlikely DS will get any other offers- this one surprised us. (He had a few D3 offers but wasn’t interested in the schools themselves enough to pursue them.) And fwiw, he has always told this particular coach that he appreciates the offer and will keep him posted on his decision- so no commitment on DS end made. Thank you-

1966

For those who are interested, here are the selections for this year’s NCAA championships - https://www.ncaa.com/news/fencing/article/2022-03-15/selections-announced-2022-nc-fencing-championships? Good luck to all!

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1967

Although not necessarily directly related to the recruiting process, NCAA Championships in any sport (yes, even in fencing) is a pretty awesome thing. So if anyone has any questions, there are lots of exprienced participants on this thread to share insights, maybe even some fun anecdotes. It all goes to making it more accessible and fun for all.

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1968

The fact that each school can send a maximum of only 2 fencers to the NCAA championship may be something for prospective recruits to consider. Every year, including this one, there are very strong fencers, including former junior and cadet national team members left off the championship roster, because the school reached their complement. Of course, those schools are often competing for the championship, so there is a balance between individual and team aspirations.

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1969

My child had 4 offers in the spring - timing was late because of Covid year. We originally said we would make a decision by July but pushed it off until late August. We were open and honest with the coaches about the change in timing and everyone involved was gracious about the ultimate decision.

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1970

Congrats @Momsf with your child having 4 offers! I’m sure it can be hard to decide so early in the process. Can I ask if your child got the offers in Spring after their Junior Year and then they made you decide the summer after Junior Year? We are about to start this process with my DD this summer (she is currently a sophomore) and some of her clubmates who have gone onto NCAA fencing mentioned that many of them waited for spots as late as Senior year. I’m thinking probably as some kids are still deciding I’m sure coaches have tentative “back-up” offers? I’m trying to tell my DD this process is more a marathon and not a sprint so she will have to be patient.

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1971

It is worthwhile to take a look back on prior posts as this has been discussed in great detail.

From my experience, prospective recruits fall into several categories.

There are those who are the very top of their recruiting class. These fencers are often approached in some manner as early as sophomore year in high school and can have at least some form of understanding with a coach entering into their junior year.

Next up are the top 10, including those elite candidates, who will be chased by the most competitive DV1 programs. Most of these will have commitments in hand by spring of junior year. Certainly by the end of junior year.

While one can make differentiations for the next levels of recruits, these are the ones waiting for the dominoes to fall before finding out where they land. This is the toughest position in which to be because one is often faced with an earlier offer from a 2nd or 3rd choice, while top choice is still navigating through the elite recruits. Lots of strategy in this position and not for the weak of heart. The July Challenge recruiting meetings are a big watershed in this process, especially for this group of potential recruits. If you find yourself in this category, some hard core strategizing regarding meeting with coaches is definitely in order.

Another category are fencers who, whether by choice or circumstance, proactively choose the D3 or club route. Sometimes this is because fencing looms as less important after matriculation to college. Other times its because the best fit of school leads to a less competitive fencing program. Ironically perhaps, these are also the schools with the most exacting standards, at which fencing is a definite plus, but academic stats and accomplishments clearly come first.

Finally, there are those who come in at the bottom of the recruiting pool who wait for every last domino to fall and often find themselves seeking coach’s support (in lieu of formal recruitment), or at least a commitment for a walk-on if the student can get in on his/her own merits. These recruits can wait through senior year, sometimes giving up the early application route to be in play at as many schools as possible.

Know this, however - There are always surprises in the recruiting class. Several posters on this thread can relate how the entire picture shifted with one defection, leading to unexpected opportunities.

In any case, keep coming back to the thread. There is a ton of knowledge and experience on this thread and people are very willing to share and to help.

Good luck!

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1972

All great information and thanks for breaking it down…I have been definitely using all the older posts for guidance. Thanks so much!!

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1973

Last year was abnormal - Covid restrictions and roster management concerns. The offers came in the spring and early summer. I wasn’t paying much attention to the dates on the year above - so I cannot comment on the “normal” process.

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1974

Just wanted to confirm my interpretation of the NCAA recruiting rules. My daughter’s a sophomore in high school and therefore can’t set up meetings with coaches at summer nationals because it occurs prior to August 1st. Also, she can’t set up on campus meetings with coaches this summer prior to August 1st. Correct?

1975

It’s been awhile, but I am pretty sure there is a carve-out exception for meetings at Summer Nationals. Anyone on the thread more up to date with this?

1976

My DS was contacted by coaches after June 14th during his sophomore year (he’s currrently a junior) and had several zooms before summer nationals. The coaches usually said to him things like “We can wave hello at SN but can’t meet” or “we’d love to have you visit officially but not until after August 1st…” Not sure about in-person meetings at SN however so probably not too helpful! But this document outlines the rules and echoes your assumptions:

1977

The NCAA website has a clear calendar on what recruiting activities are allowed after 6/15 of Sophomore year and what will have to wait until 8/1 of Junior year (the visits), for D1/D2 schools. I believe for D3 there is no restriction - any time.

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1978

I can’t find a carve out for in-person meetings between rising juniors and coaches at Summer Nationals; which would be consistent with 2023_2 ‘s recent experience.

1979

Senior members: is there any benefit to apply for recruitment as soon as allowed, ie. summer following sophomore year? or, wait and hope you will have more results in the junior year, if you are not the top group of your recruitment year?

1980

For what one person’s experience is worth….

You have nothing to lose putting your fencer’s hat in the recruiting ring early if your fencer is absolutely certain she/he is all-in for a particular school. If your fencer is acceptable for immediate consideration, including results, then good. If not, the coach will almost certainly continue to watch your fencer’s progress during junior year.

What you gain, however, is the value of early, first, earnest commitment. This means a lot to coaches often dealing with fencers hedging their bets and their answers.

The only caveat to all this is the risk, even via a few loose lips, that your fencer’s status goes public, This may sour the path with other coaches should your fencer have to move to plan B.

It’s a balancing act, I know, but IMHO, you go for it if you know you want it and push and push until all the cards are played.

1981

Thank you very much! Appreciate the reply.

1982

I also was looking at the NCAA chart and it says No off-campus, unofficial and official visits until 8/1, so am I to assume NO meetings at Summer Nationals if your child is a current sophomore and also NO summer visits to look at colleges (and perhaps chat with a coach) until 8/1??

1983

That’s correct. You can visit a college on your own and take a peek at the fencing facilities if they’re open and you ask the security guard or whomever is there, but you/your fencer can’t ask to meet with the coach in person. If time and resources are a factor, it might be best to wait and do your visits after 8/1 to maximize your opportunities while on campus. We waited and we’re lucky enough to have a few times where the coach was there and DS stopped by to chat. He emailed the coaches well ahead of the visit to say he’d be on campus and would love to meet briefly in person if possible and/or take a look at the fencing area.

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