Congratulations to Vida Connolly ’25, Victoria Wint ’26, and Vittoria Gentile ’27 for their resounding victory in the sabre category at last week’s Preps Fencing Championship. As members of Oak Knoll’s formidable sabre squad, they were so engaged in their bouts that it wasn’t until the match neared conclusion that they realized how far ahead they were in points.

Sophomore Gentile explained the surprise in realizing how well they did in the competition. “When I started looking at the results online, I was looking at the overall scores, and ours was way higher than everyone else’s. I was freaking out,” she recalled with glee. Gentile has fenced for two seasons on the Oak Knoll squad and participated in club fencing for several years prior.

 Connolly is a senior and has competed in sabre since her first year of high school. She matriculates to a school without a team but plans to continue on the club level. “This is a good way to end my high school participation,” she explained. “Over the four years, I’ve seen the sabre squad increase in skill level. In my first year, we placed third; in my sophomore and junior years, we placed second. Then, this year, we finally got it!” 

Wint, who is a junior, just completed her third year on the sabre squad. Current fencing coach Lincoln Lawrence first encountered her when he taught her kickboxing as a kindergartner. He brought another coach around to see her footwork, and she was recruited to a fencing club in first grade.

She also expressed her joyous surprise at the results. “I was so in the moment during my bouts. I knew we were doing good, but it didn’t click with me that we were dominating,” she recalled. “We were proud at every win that we got on the surface, but that the accumulative score would make us champions of the day was awesome.”

All three champions commented on lessons and skills they have learned from fencing that translate into other aspects of their lives.

“I’d say the big one for me is poise,” remarked Connolly. “Holding yourself to a high level and a certain standard, regardless of what’s happening around you. Typically, you could be down four to zero and come back at any point and win the whole match. That’s taught me a sense of level-headedness and keeping a calm energy about me.”

Wint credits her years fencing with her confidence and ability to think more logically in high-pressure situations. “I think fencing helps me be proactive in other facets of my life. If you keep hitting to one place and your opponent keeps burying you, you have to try something different. Let me do this X, Y, and Z instead.”

Gentile has also gained confidence and determination through her commitment to the sport. “In general, I’ve gained more self-worth,” she explained. “After a bout, whether you win or lose, if you had a couple of excellent touches, you can be proud. Even if you aren’t doing well, you can stay determined. Fencing has taught me that no matter what, being confident in your ability overall helps you push ahead and be better.”

Touché to these talented student-athletes for their wisdom on and off the “strip.”