Meet Coach Dan
Coach
Coach Dan is an elite international competitor, collegiate coach, and dedicated advocate for the sport. For over three and a half decades, Coach Dan has been a foundational leader in the California fencing community, sharing his passion and expertise with athletes at every level.
A Legacy of Elite Competition
Coach Dan embarked on his fencing journey during his high school freshman year, sparking an unwavering passion that propelled him to the highest ranks of competitive fencing:
- U.S. Junior World Team Member: Proudly represented the United States on the international stage as a member of the U.S. Junior World Team.
- Maccabiah Games Gold Medalist: Captured a prestigious Gold Medal representing the USA at the 15th Maccabiah Games in Israel.
- 35+ Years of Community Leadership: Has served as an integral pillar of the California fencing scene for over 35 years, cultivating talent from grassroots levels to elite competition.
Coaching Pedigree & Collegiate Impact
With decades of leadership across youth programs and top-tier universities, Coach Dan's coaching experience includes:
- Collegiate Coaching Excellence: Shared his expertise as an assistant coach at UC San Diego (UCSD) and volunteered as a dedicated assistant coach at Stanford University.
- Grassroots Development: Pioneered foundational fencing programs across local elementary and middle schools to introduce young students to the sport.
- Regional Fencing Leadership: Serves as the President of the Western Fencing Coalition, tirelessly leading initiatives to establish and fund new collegiate NCAA fencing programs across the Western Region.
Coaching Philosophy
Coach Dan believes in expanding the reach of fencing and building lifelong pathways for student-athletes. His approach focuses on:
Tactical Progression
Guiding young fencers through the technical and mental building blocks needed to succeed at national and collegiate levels.
Collegiate Opportunities
Helping athletes navigate the pipeline toward NCAA fencing and higher education opportunities.
Community & Growth
Fostering a supportive, high-energy environment where students develop character, discipline, and a lasting love for the strip.
"Fencing is a lifelong pursuit that builds intellect, resilience, and character. My mission is to expand access to this incredible sport and help our athletes build the skills they need to reach the highest levels of collegiate and national competition."— Coach Dan