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First to 15: The USA Fencing PodcastAuthor: USA Fencing
Welcome to the official podcast of USA Fencing! In each episode, well talk to someone interesting within the fencing world, including young fencers just learning the sport, coaches, experts from outside of fencing, fencing parents, referees, Olympians and Paralympians, and many more. Ready? Set? Fence! Language: en Genres: Education, Self-Improvement, Sports Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Deep Patel on Going from Beginner to Captain to Coach
Episode 93
Monday, 16 March, 2026
Guest: Deep Patel Deep walked onto the men’s fencing team at Haverford College after discovering fencing through a PE class, and quickly became one of the team’s leaders. He now coaches sabre at Badger Fencing Club and is part of a new generation of coaches helping make fencing more accessible. What you’ll hear in this episode How Deep discovered fencing in college (and why a PE class + a “why not?” mindset changed everything) What transfers from soccer/lacrosse/cricket — and what fencing forces you to “rewire” (upper/lower body separation, individual accountability, body language) The steep learning curve: terminology, right-of-way, and why Deep urges new competitors to actually read the rule book A turning point moment: the first big win that made the progress feel real Competing as a D3 athlete against lifelong fencers — and why it can feel empowering, not just intimidating Leadership and culture: how Deep became captain by contributing beyond his own bouts (rides, armory basics, energy, motivation) Coaching development: what it was like entering Tim Morehouse Fencing Club’s Fencing Corps and becoming a “small fish” again The “UN ambassador lesson” story: how to make a first fencing experience fun, memorable, and meaningful Building something new at Badger: what it’s like joining a developing club — and why Badger matters nationally as a Club Incubator success story Post-college fencing: why it doesn’t have to be “stop now, maybe come back at Vet 40” Growing the sport: Deep’s idea of making fencing feel more like drop-in recreation leagues while still preserving the competitive ladder Haverford roster (Deep Patel): https://haverfordathletics.com/sports/mens-fencing/roster/deep-patel/9407 USA Fencing: Badger Fencing Club launch (Club Incubator): https://www.usafencing.org/news/2024/september/16/club-incubator-program-celebrates-successful-launch-of-wisconsin-s-badger-fencing-club USA Fencing: Badger success story (0 to 100 members): https://www.usafencing.org/news/2025/november/20/club-incubator-success-story-badger-fencing-club-rockets-from-zero-to-100-members USA Fencing Club Incubator Program info: https://www.usafencing.org/club-incubator Club Incubator overview article: https://www.usafencing.org/news/2024/june/06/club-incubator-program-a-new-grant-opportunity-to-turn-fencing-passion-into-a-profession --First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA FencingHost: Bryan WendellCover art: Manna CreationsTheme music: Brian Sanyshyn
