Roeper student commits to Duke University for fencing

BIRMINGHAM — For over 10 years, Roeper High School’s Zelia Newhard has trained endlessly in both the classroom and in the sport of fencing.

On Dec. 2, her time and effort were rewarded as she signed her letter of intent to compete for Duke University’s foil team in the fall of this year. Foil is one of three weapons in fencing, with the epee and the saber.

Duke is currently ranked No. 6 in women’s fencing according to the U.S. Fencing Coaches Association, but the university’s academics is what Newhard said really grabbed her attention.

“For me, other than the fencing part — because they have a really strong fencing team and they’re Division 1 and all that — but other than that, for me, I’m interested in STEM, and more particularly, environmental science,” Newhard said. “They have really strong academics.”

Newhard, a National Merit Scholar with a 4.2 GPA, is currently ranked second in Region 2 fencing and third nationally in Division 1A under the Renaissance Fencing Club in Troy.

Fencing has been a part of her life since she was little, and Newhard said the club has played a vital role in the person she’s become today.

“I’m super grateful for them not just getting me into the sport, but for helping me grow to where I am now,” Newhard said. “We were gone for a couple years in the middle, but they really started off my foundation and really my initial attachment and love for the sport.”

Ann Marsh-Senic, a three-time Olympian and two-time U.S. champion, coached Newhard during her time with the club.

Marsh-Senic said Newhard’s intelligence is one of her strongest attributes when competing.

“In fencing, she’s very analytical about her opponents,” Marsh-Senic said. “Before she starts her match, she always has her video camera on so she can analyze her matches later so she can make strategies against that opponent in the future.”

As Newhard readies for the fall season, she said she’s anxious to join and compete with her new team.

“Everyone has just been super nice in general,” Newhard said. “Overall, I’m just super excited to get to know everyone and switch to the more team style of fencing.”