Why did you choose Drew University?
I came from a small high school, where my graduating class was around 120 kids. I didn’t want to go somewhere larger because I like being a student with a name, not just an ID number.
Why did you choose your major and what is your favorite course?
I chose my Philosophy major because I want to go to law school after Drew. My favorite course would have to be philosophy of language, as language impacts the way we interact with the world and those in it.
What is your most memorable moment as a Ranger?
Winning our home meet against Cornell, we were tied 13-13 as my last bout came up, and despite being nervous about losing, and thus losing as a team, I won, and Drew came out on top, 14-13.
How has being an athlete helped you as a student and in the classroom?
The discipline, absolutely. Pushing myself in a bout, in the weight room, and all day during a competition has absolutely helped me to keep myself going in an academic setting, even when I’m feeling disheartened.
What is the most difficult part of your sport?
Internalizing everything, for sure. Fencers don’t have teammates on the strip with them, so, if we lose, we only have one person to blame, and everyone who watched that bout knows it.
What advice do you have for a prospective Drew University student-athlete?
Don’t ever let yourself be told you can’t do something. People will tell you that because you’re from a D3 school, you won’t ever be a serious athlete and make an impact on the sport. When that happens, you make sure you train hard enough to prove them wrong.
Why is community service important to your role as a student-athlete at Drew?
I think it’s an inherent part of being an athlete- by playing a sport for Drew, we not only represent our community, but we give them something to bond over, something to go and enjoy watching together. Outside of the Forum, I think athletes have to uphold a high standard when it comes to being a good person, because people see us as something more than just students.
Name one obstacle or form of adversity you have had to overcome...
Going into sophomore year, I not only had my fencing hand operated on (and thusly had to relearn about 7 years worth of training in a few months) but was suffering from a pretty severe lack of confidence as well, as I was in an emotionally abusive relationship.
Rapid Fire:
Color? I’m color blind!
Food? Anything Cajun
Restaurant? The Capital Grille
Movie? Good Will Hunting
TV Show? Doctor Who
Musical Artist? Peter Hollens
Athlete? Fabrice Jeannet
Pro Team? The Redbulls
Hobbies? Cooking, Reading, Spending time in the gym
Most Prized Possession? A photograph from a fencing tournament, some little kid thought I was a power ranger.
Biggest Fear? Not believing in myself
