With the YULA merger came ambitious plans to improve the athletics program. Alexandra Novak, the Director of Athletics for both YULA divisions, decided it was time to add fencing to the Girls’ Division sports teams. Fencing not only offers YULA students more opportunities in their future college careers but also teaches one of the most crucial skills that one can learn in high school–respect. Players must create boundaries and respect their opponents’ space. Developing respect and esteem for one’s opponent is a skill that extends far past any athletic or classroom setting. Since fencing has been a predominantly male sport, the Girls’ Division feels privileged to have this opportunity.

Although fencing can be portrayed as dangerous due to the sharp saber, in reality, the distance between opponents and the use of boundaries make it “one of the safest sports in high school,” says Yitzy Frankel, the fencing coach at YULA. He then described the many successes that the boy’s fencing team has had over the past couple of years, particularly their victories over Harvard-Westlake, one of the most prestigious schools in the league.

Considering that YULA is one of the few Jewish schools that offers fencing, students should appreciate this incredible opportunity to develop their athletic prowess and character.