Fencing in college sans experience?

Question

My school doesn't offer fencing, can you join a fencing team in college if you have no prior experience? Will you be expected to compete in freshman year? Specifically I'm looking at Yale's women's fencing, but any and all info would be appreciated.

Answer 1

I would suggest e-mailing the fencing coach at Yale to see what he/she would expect of you.  I know of many people who joined a college fencing team with little or no experience and jumped right into competitive fencing.  It all depends on how much you enjoy fencing and how good you get in the amount of time you have.  I would suggest finding a local club, if you can, and maybe taking one or two classes before Yale though, just so you are not completely in the dark.

If you go to usfencing.com you can find a list of clubs in your area.

I wish you the best of luck!  Fencing is such fun (and a great work-out too)!  Maybe I'll compete against you in a tournament on day...