Josie has been fencing epeé in group classes at The Fencers Academy for two years.
But the coaches all say that if you really want to improve, you have to compete. That idea — competing in a real tournament — was daunting for Josie, but she decided to sign up for a tournament in Wentzville in January.
But the idea became even more daunting when we learned that, as a newly-minted 15-year-old, Josie would have to fence in the “senior mixed epee” category, meaning she’d be up against adult men!
She was very anxious before it got underway. But she overcame her fears and did it. And, after the pool round when she was in her elimination bout, her coach asked her to try to be more aggressive. She did, and though she lost, she made a good showing.
After summer vacation, Josie decided she wanted to try fencing in more tournaments. In August she returned to Wentzville for the “It’s a Pirate’s Life For Me” tournament. And in October she performed in two categories: senior mixed épée and senior women’s épée.
As in the previous two mixed events she competed in, most of the guys she faced in October were really strong ranked fencers. Unfortunately, Josie took a bad hit to her sword-arm bicep in her third bout, but she didn’t quit.
The women’s event was much smaller: four of the six women were from her fencing club. But she won two pool bouts and her first elimination bout — her first-ever tournament victories! She ended up tying for third place with her teammate Emily and got to stand on the podium.
It’s been awesome to watch Josie persevere and grow.