Hargrave Varsity Fencing

Hargrave Athletics develops leaders through discipline, structure, and accountability. Cadets compete at a high level while representing the Academy with professionalism, integrity, and pride.

Mr. Marek Stepien, OLY
Head Fencing Coach

“Fencing teaches discipline, strategic thinking, and composure under pressure — the same qualities that define a strong student-athlete and a strong young man.”

Olympic-Level Training

Coach Stepien OLY brings more than 30 years of coaching experience at the highest levels of international competition to Hargrave. An Olympic competitor himself and recipient of the World Olympians Association Certificate of Recognition, his career includes leading programs at the University of Cambridge and the University of Notre Dame's Division I team, as well as international work as an FIE expert and IOC Olympic Solidarity educator delivering coach development programs across three continents.

Stepien holds an MBA, an MA in Physical Education, and Fencing Coaching credentials from the Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw. He is a graduate of the USA Fencing Leadership Academy.

  • Olympic competitor with international coaching across three continents
  • Division I and international university program leadership
  • Student-athletes placed at Harvard, Columbia, Notre Dame, and on Olympic podiums
  • FIE and IOC-credentialed coach educator and development expert
  • USA Fencing Leadership Academy graduate

Varsity Fencing News

Varsity Fencing at Conference Team Meet

  • Nov 7
  • TBD

Varsity Fencing at Conference Team Meet

  • Dec 12
  • 9:00 AM

Varsity Fencing at Conference Team Meet

  • Jan 9, 2027
  • TBD

Varsity Fencing at Conference Individual Meet

  • Jan 23, 2027
  • TBD

Varsity Fencing at NCFL Team Championship

  • Feb 6, 2027
  • TBD

No recent game results available.

Building Complete Student-Athletes

01

Tactical Intelligence

Modern systems of play built around positional awareness, pressing triggers, and transition speed. Players learn to read the game at a higher level through structured tactical training and video analysis.

02

Technical Development

Intensive individual skill work with a focus on first touch, passing accuracy, and decision-making under pressure. Our methodology prioritizes quality repetition and game-realistic training environments.

03

Physical & Mental Resilience

The military academy structure provides an unmatched foundation for athletic discipline. Players develop mental toughness, competitive endurance, and the habits of accountability that define winners.

Program Goals & Vision Ahead

Competitive Recruiting

Aggressively building a roster of dedicated, talented players drawn to a program with elite coaching and a clear development pathway to collegiate competition.

Elevating Competition

Establishing a competitive program through improved player training and structured seasonal preparation.

College Placement

Leveraging the Hargrave Athletics staff’s extensive collegiate network and recruiting expertise to connect qualified players with opportunities at the next level.

Culture of Excellence

Instilling in every player the discipline, teamwork, and character that define a Hargrave Man.

Ready to Compete at a Higher Level?

Join a program with elite coaching, a structured development pathway, and the character-building foundation of a military academy education.