For three hours a day, six days a week, senior Sophia Mann spends her free time refining footwork, clashing blades, and competing in bouts at her fencing club.

   Though Mann’s training is intense now, she was initially drawn to fencing due to a playful love for sword fighting. In fact, she credits childhood movies as her main inspiration.

   “I was definitely inspired by  Star Wars, Pirates of the Caribbean, and those kinds of movies,” Mann said.

   When she first picked up the sport at a young age, Mann initially struggled to find her place.

   “When I first started, I liked it, but I felt like I was just going through the motions,” Mann said. “I remember [that in] my first summer nationals, I came in dead last.”

   However, she was able to overcome her early challenges and has since gone on to compete at multiple international-level competitions and has earned numerous medals. Most recently, Mann medalled at the Junior Olympic Championships, placing sixth in individuals and winning first as a team.

   To prepare for big tournaments, Mann focuses on fueling healthily and staying well-rested.

   When challenges arise, Mann emphasizes the importance of having a support system and remembering the reason she fences.

   “My mom and dad are always there for me, and [so are] my teammates and coaches,” Mann said. “Mentality-wise, I keep in mind the next competition ahead of me. It’s like another opportunity for me to show people that I can do well.”

   Aside from competing and staying fit, fencing has also taught Mann various lessons in confidence and discipline.

   “I learned to be determined,” Mann said. “If I set my mind to something, I can do it. Nothing is really impossible.”

   Fellow fencer sophomore Zachary Choi admires Mann’s work ethic.

   “[Sophia] brought dedication and hard work to the few practices I spent with her,” Choi said. “She is an incredibly skilled fencer and will be representing the USA at the Senior World Cup this year.”

   When she leaves for college in the fall, Mann will continue fencing at NYU.

   For people interested in starting fencing, Mann highly encourages simply trying it out.

   “Don’t be intimidated by the rules,” Mann said. “Don’t be scared to get hit, and just have fun.”