For foil captain Isabella Hatzoglu (‘26), success is built on discipline, compassion and community. As a dedicated member of the Drew University fencing team, and a psychology major with a minor in classics, she embodies what it means to be a true student-athlete.
Hatzoglu’s academic journey is rooted in her passion for understanding and supporting others. As a Baldwin Honors Scholar, she is currently writing her honors thesis on grief education in school curriculums. One of her most impactful academic experiences at Drew has been Abnormal Psychology with Professor Landrigan. Exploring psychological disorders through the DSM-V not only strengthened her knowledge of the field, but also confirmed her interest in pursuing work that supports individuals and families facing challenges.
Her dedication to psychology has extended far beyond the classroom. Through a Short TREC trip to Australia, Hatzoglu studied health, well-being and the environment from a global perspective. The experience broadened her understanding of how culture and environment intersect with mental health and reinforced her desire to continue learning about the field.
Hatzoglu’s commitment to service is closely aligned with her academic interests. She works for Brain Balance and volunteers at Good Grief, a grief support center that provides resources and community for families coping with significant loss. Supporting grieving families has deepened her understanding of the very issues she studies and researches, allowing her to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
Within the fencing program, Hatzoglu also serves as the team’s social media manager, helping promote competitions, celebrate teammates’ accomplishments and strengthen team spirit. Her leadership helps foster connection both within the team and across the broader Drew community.
While her academic and service achievements are impressive, Hatzoglu has also made a lasting impact in competition. One of her favorite memories as a Ranger came during her sophomore year at the FDU Invitational, where she achieved her 100th career win. The milestone marked countless hours of training, perseverance and mental focus.
What made the moment even more special was the overwhelming support surrounding her. Her teammates celebrated enthusiastically, sharing in her accomplishment, while her family surprised her with custom shirts to commemorate the achievement. It was a reminder that individual victories are often powered by a strong support system.
Balancing the demands of collegiate athletics and rigorous academics is no small task, but Hatzoglu credits fencing with helping her succeed in the classroom. The structured schedule required of a student-athlete keeps her focused and organized, ensuring she stays on top of her coursework and research.
More importantly, the relationships she has built with her teammates have been invaluable. Whether it’s reviewing notes, offering encouragement or simply being there during a busy week, her teammates provide both academic and emotional support. “I feel so lucky to have such great teammates,” she says. “They’re some of my best friends.”
From earning her 100th career win to researching grief education and supporting families through volunteer work, Hatzoglu represents the very best of Drew University athletics. Her drive on the strip, dedication in the classroom and compassion in the community reflect a student-athlete committed not only to personal success, but to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
More than her accomplishments and accolades, Hatzoglu has become a cornerstone of the fencing team’s culture. As both a leader and the team’s social media manager, she plays an important role in shaping the program’s energy and identity. She leads by example, through her work ethic at practice, her focus in competition and her dedication in the classroom. Younger teammates look to her not only for guidance on the strip, but for advice on balancing athletics and academics.
Her commitment to camaraderie is just as impactful as her competitive drive. Hatzoglu helps foster an environment where teammates celebrate one another’s milestones, support each other during challenges and take pride in representing Drew together. Whether it’s cheering from the sidelines, organizing team content or offering help with coursework, she strengthens the bonds that make the Rangers more than just a team.
At the same time, Hatzoglu continues to excel as a student, proving that leadership in athletics and achievement in academics can go hand in hand. Her discipline, compassion and dedication make her an invaluable member of the program whose absence will be missed and a true embodiment of what it means to be a Drew student-athlete.
Gillian Sampson is a graduate student in the Masters of Education program.
