During the MACFA “A” Round Robin meet on Feb. 21 inside the Simon Forum, the men’s and women’s fencing teams celebrated Senior Day in memorable fashion. The Rangers defeated Rutgers University, Lafayette College and Cornell University to complete the sweep. While the Rangers went a perfect 3-0 on the strip, the most important victory of the day was honoring a remarkable group of student-athletes whose dedication, leadership and love for fencing have shaped Drew’s program in lasting ways.
This year’s senior class represents excellence across all three weapons, foil, épée and sabre, and leaves behind a legacy of hard work, resilience and team spirit. Having pursued an impressive range of academic passions, from psychology, political science and english to engineering physics, cybersecurity, studio art, finance and media and communications, all while dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to their team.
As they prepare to carry that same drive and discipline into their next chapters, their post-graduate plans reflect the same ambition and diversity that defined their time at Drew. For Gabriel Leone (‘26), a psychology and Italian major, the next chapter includes a nine month internship in Italy as an English teacher’s assistant. Eddie Matto (‘26), an English major, is applying to graduate programs for teaching, continuing his commitment to education. Isabella Hatzoglu (‘26) is in the process of applying to graduate school with the goal of earning a PsyD, while William Morton (‘26) heads into wealth management as he prepares for law school.
Noah Gardos (‘26) plans to begin a Master’s in Finance at Villanova, and Henri Degremont (‘26) will work as a composite technician before applying to graduate school. Logan Kleva (‘26) and Izzy Anderson (‘26) are preparing to enter the workforce, Eva Esqueda (‘26) hopes to work for a talent agency while living in Jersey City and Nix Feeley (‘26) will begin an internship in conservation science at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Though their paths diverge after graduation, a common theme unites them: the friendships and memories forged through fencing. Again and again, these seniors spoke about their teammates—the practices they looked forward to each day, the bus rides filled with jokes and games, the celebrations after bouts and the countless shared moments that turned teammates into lifelong friends. Many reflected on how the team helped them grow not only as athletes, but as people—bringing them out of their shells, and giving them a true sense of community.
When asked what she would remember most of the Drew Fencing program, Esqueda stated “I’ll remember having learned so much about the sport and myself as well as having made so many new and meaningful connections throughout the years that brought me out of my shell.”
Beyond their remarkable individual performance on the strip, this senior class has built something even more meaningful: a culture of support, accountability and pride. They have mentored younger teammates, represented their communities with integrity and balanced the demands of athletics and academics with maturity.
As we honor these seniors, we thank them not only for the bouts they won, but for the example they set. Their impact will continue long after their final moment on the strip.
Gillian Sampson is a graduate student in the Masters of Education program.