In January, I had the pleasure of interviewing the captains of the Ward Melville Varsity Fencing team.
Isabel De Bei: How has this season been so far for the team?
Kiki Liu: This season has been really amazing so far. We’ve seen a lot of growth and improvement in our skills and teamwork.
Reese Birnstill: I think this season has been really successful so far!
Halit Isildak: The season has been going great! Our win rates are high and our newer fencers are improving quickly.
Aiden Carrington: This season has been amazing. Our team is now 6-1. Last year, we did acceptable but there was still a lot of room for improvement. We ended up coming in 3rd in the semifinal bracket of playoffs. Our team has come such a long way since I joined in my freshman year.
Eleanor Schneider: This season has been so exciting and satisfying for the team. We have all grown so much by constantly listening and learning. It has been so amazing to watch everyone adapt both on and off the strip.
Gabriella Sicignano: This season has been really great so far, and it’s evident that all of the girls have improved their fencing skills from last season!
IDB: What are you looking forward to as a team?
KL: I’m really looking forward to the following meets and tournaments. So far, the girls are undefeated and the rest of the season looks super promising.
RB: I can’t wait to see my teammates and I continue to improve throughout the rest of the season.
AC: One thing I’m looking forward to are the practices. I enjoy spending time with my team as well as giving lessons in practice and giving insight to the underclassmen. I also enjoy the hard work being put together and watching it benefit us during meets and tournaments.
ES: As a team, I’m looking forward to senior night, and my last regular season meet at Ward Melville. It will be such a full circle moment that I’m excited to experience with my teammates.
GS: I’m looking forward to the final few meets and tournaments because they always boost team morale.
IDB: What are three words to describe this season so far?
KL: Three words to describe the season so far would be exciting, fun and rewarding.
RB: Exciting, successful, and fun!
HI: WE ARE COOKING.
AD: Three words that I could describe the fencing men’s team with are competitive, passionate and hungry. I say hungry because people on the team will sacrifice huge amounts of time, effort and sleep to win.
ES: Three words that I would use to describe are rewarding, dynamic and friendship.
GS: Fun, exciting and rewarding.
IDB: What has your favorite moment of this season been so far?
KL: My favorite moment this season has been repeating gold at the individual Brentwood Holiday Tournament.
RB: My favorite moment of the year so far was the Brentwood Holiday Tournament. All throughout the (very long) day, everyone was supporting each other and there was so much motivation from everyone. I had so much fun and, overall, it was a successful day.
HI: I enjoyed reffing with the guys at the underclassman tournament.
ES: My favorite moment of this season so far has been the Alan Kuver Memorial Relay Tournament. It was such a fun day with my friends, and I loved being able to fence on a squad with the same girls I have been with since my first day on this team. Placing third was such a fulfilling moment and really reflected all of the hard work we have been putting in this season.
GS: Our group placing 2nd in women’s sabre at the Huntington Relay (aka Alan Kuver Memorial Fencing Tournament) was a memorable moment. I loved how advancing to each round was a team effort. I had so much fun cheering for others as they fenced and learning new techniques from my more experienced teammates.
IDB: How has this season been going differently from last season?
KL: This season, we have come together a lot more as a team and everyone has bonded with each other, new or returning.
RB: Everyone on the team is really putting their all into this season. The level or sportsmanship everyone has this season has drastically increased compared to last year. My teammates and I are working super hard during practice and it’s showing off during meets.
HI: All of our fencers are more skilled and win rates have improved.
AD: This season was way better than last season for the team. Many of our individual fencers climbed seeds and tableaus. We are progressing a lot better and stronger than last year.
ES: This season, it seems like everyone has been working extremely hard at practice and is always trying to improve. It is really refreshing to be on a team where everyone has the same goal, and is willing to put the work in to get there.
GS: I’ve been more involved on the strip now that I’m a starter, and getting that extra experience of fencing at every meet has taught me the importance of resilience. Last season, I would become upset whenever I lost a bout, but gradually I’ve learned to take loss as a lesson in working on improving my technique.
IDB: Lastly, how has the role of being a captain shaped your experience on the team, and what lessons has it taught you? What are your goals for the rest of the season?
KL: The role of being captain has taught me a lot about responsibility and communication. Teaching fencing is not easy but it’s super rewarding watching everyone improve and win. My goals for the rest of the season would be for the girls to go undefeated, win counties and go to LICs again. Individually, I hope to finish this season off strong and have a lot of fun!
RB: As a captain, I am not only responsible for myself but I’m also responsible for my teammates. Being a captain taught me how to balance being a leader and a teammate. For the rest of the season, I will keep working hard to improve as a fencer and be ready for college. As a team, I am hoping we keep up the energy and success we’ve had so far!
HI: Becoming a captain has resulted in an increase in responsibilities. It is our job to teach the new fencers everything we can before we graduate. I’ve learned a lot about what it takes to be a captain and how to manage the fencers I am leading. The goal for the team this season is to be the LI champions. My personal goal is simply winning as many of my bouts as I can.
AD: The role of being a captain is very rewarding after being the underdog for a while. It took a long time to get to where I am at but, being that it’s only mid season, there’s a lot of work still to do. Being a captain has taught me to be humble and, most importantly, do what is best for the team. My goal for this season is to get a county championship for my team.
ES: Taking on the role of being a captain on the team has shown me the importance of teamwork and cooperation. It has also given me a new perspective on how everyone is truly committed to the team and will continue to thrive throughout their fencing careers. My biggest individual goal for the rest of the season is to learn from my past bouts. I am very focused on paying attention to what worked for me and my teammates and applying it to the bout I am going to fence. Team wise, the biggest goal that I have for the rest of the season is making it to counties by working together and harnessing our strengths.
GS: Becoming captain of the fencing team has taught me the importance of positive motivation to unite our team towards a common goal. I value communication and collaboration with the other captains and underclassmen more seriously; this has contributed to my personal growth as a fencer. My goals for the rest of the season is to become county fencing champions and Long Island fencing champions as a team, and I hope to maintain a win amount compared to loss amount, and maybe even participate at individuals.
