Meet Coach Lisa Posthumus
Executive Coach
Lisa Posthumus, one of the most respected and successful figures in American collegiate fencing, brings a career defined by championship titles and the development of world-class athletes to the Bay Area Fencing Club coaching team.
A Legacy of Excellence at Stanford
Coach Lisa recently retired as the Co-Head Coach of Stanford University, where she led the Cardinal men's and women's programs for an incredible 25 seasons. Her tenure on "The Farm" is legendary, marked by:
- 19 NCAA Regional titles and consistently leading teams to top-10 national finishes.
- The development of 10 individual NCAA Champions.
- Mentoring five Olympians, including world-ranked stars like Alexander Massialas and Vivian Kong.
- Maintaining a 100% graduation rate, emphasizing the importance of the "scholar-athlete."
Athletic Pedigree
Fencing is in Coach Lisa's DNA. Before her storied coaching career, she was an elite competitor at Penn State University, where she led her team to an NCAA Championship and finished third individually in women's foil. Before joining Stanford, she served as the head coach at UC San Diego, building a foundation of leadership that has spanned over three decades.
Coaching Philosophy
Known for her ability to connect with "free-thinking, brilliant student-athletes," Lisa's approach centers on:
Strategic Mastery
Leveraging her deep knowledge of the game to help fencers outthink their opponents.
Holistic Development
Focusing on the person behind the mask, ensuring athletes grow in confidence, discipline, and character.
The Power of Community
Creating a supportive yet high-performance environment where fencers at all levels can thrive.
"My highlight as a coach has always been the ability to interact with and inspire the next generation of athletes. I am thrilled to bring that passion to the Bay Area Fencing Club and help every fencer reach their full potential."— Lisa Posthumus