As a nationally qualified fencer with 53 wins from the 2023-24 season, Ava Lucas (’29) continues to make her mark in the fencing community. She competes in tournaments across the country and has earned recognition in the Youth 12 age category, or Y12 women’s foil.
With her growing reputation in the fencing community, Lucas is officially one of the top young fencers in her division. Her mother, Gabrielle Derrig, said Lucas’s achievements stem from her resilience, determination and open-heartedness, and that fencing has given Lucas strength and self-trust.
Lucas started fencing in 2020, when Derrig enrolled her in a summer camp during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, Derrig said her goal was simple: to find a structured activity for Lucas after the pandemic’s disruption of everyday life. What began as a casual activity soon became a lasting part of Lucas’s identity, according to Derrig.
“I didn’t really know what fencing was at first,” Lucas said. “But once I tried it, it felt different from anything else, like I could focus just on the match and block everything else out.”
Lucas said her initial focus quickly turned into a deeper connection to the sport, which gave her space to work through stress and grow confidence.
“When I’m fencing, I’m in control,” Lucas said. “Even if I lose, I get to learn something. It makes me feel stronger and more calm.”
According to Derrig, fencing has not only helped Lucas build discipline, but also community. During a time when schools and social activities were shut down, the fencing team became a reliable source of support, Derrig said.
“They’ve created a fencing family,” Derrig said. “There’s a comfort that comes with being part of that community.”
Lucas echoed that feeling of connection and said the team helps her stay motivated even when she feels like giving up.
“Sometimes when I have a bad tournament, I want to stop,” Lucas said. “But my teammates remind me it’s just one day, and I can always come back stronger.”
The emotional demands of the sport have taught Lucas how to handle pressure and accept constructive criticism. Lucas said learning how to take feedback from coaches without getting discouraged has helped her grow both as an athlete and as a student.
“It used to be really hard when a coach told me I did something wrong,” Lucas said. “But now I understand they’re just helping me get better.”
Derrig said this shift in mentality was one of the most impactful parts of Lucas’s development.
“She’s a pretty sensitive girl,” Derrig said. “So seeing her toughen up, learning how to listen to her coaches without feeling defeated has been powerful growth.”
According to Sporting Bounce, fencers have to stay composed, bounce back from setbacks and manage the emotional rollercoaster that comes with each touch or point. Similarly, Lucas said the sport requires strategy and quick thinking.
“You have to plan ahead, but also react in the moment,” she said. “It’s kind of like chess, but faster and with a sword.”
However, due to the competitiveness of the sport, Lucas said she has lost many friends along her fencing journey.
“I have one best friend,” Lucas said. “But I’ve lost some friendships with some people because of winning or losing.”
Though fencing has become a major part of her life, Lucas said she also understands the importance of balancing it with her school work and other commitments. With practices running late into the evening and tournaments taking up weekends, staying on top of schoolwork can be challenging, she said.
According to Derrig, supporting Lucas’s passion has required sacrifices, including a financial commitment of $20,000 to $30,000 per year.
“Paying an Equinox [membership], so $400 a month for a membership, so that she could go and fence there three nights a week,” Derrig said. “And extra nights are when she wants to go to a conditioning class.”
However, Lucas said the investment is worth it for the life skills that fencing helps her daughter build.
“Fencing has given Ava tools that she can carry into whatever comes next,” Derrig said. “And that’s what really matters.”
While Lucas is committed to continuing in the sport, she said she is open to what the future may bring.
“I don’t know if I’ll fence forever,” Lucas said. “But I know it’s changed how I see myself and how I deal with hard things.”
