Hargrave Varsity Fencing
Under new leadership with 15+ years of elite coaching experience, Hargrave is building a program defined by disciplined development, tactical intelligence, and competitive ambition.
“Fencing teaches discipline, strategic thinking, and composure under pressure — the same qualities that define a strong student-athlete and a strong young man.”
— Marek Stepien, Head Fencing Coach
Head Coach
Olympic-Level Training
Coach Stepien OLY brings more than 30 years of coaching experience at the highest levels of international competition to Hargrave. An Olympic competitor himself and recipient of the World Olympians Association Certificate of Recognition, his career includes leading programs at the University of Cambridge and the University of Notre Dame's Division I team, as well as international work as an FIE expert and IOC Olympic Solidarity educator delivering coach development programs across three continents.
Stepien holds an MBA, an MA in Physical Education, and Fencing Coaching credentials from the Józef Piłsudski University of Physical Education in Warsaw. He is a graduate of the USA Fencing Leadership Academy.
- Olympic competitor with international coaching across three continents
- Division I and international university program leadership
- Student-athletes placed at Harvard, Columbia, Notre Dame, and on Olympic podiums
- FIE and IOC-credentialed coach educator and development expert
- USA Fencing Leadership Academy graduate
Program Philosophy
Building Complete Student-Athletes
Tactical Intelligence
Modern systems of play built around positional awareness, pressing triggers, and transition speed. Players learn to read the game at a higher level through structured tactical training and video analysis.
Technical Development
Intensive individual skill work with a focus on first touch, passing accuracy, and decision-making under pressure. Our methodology prioritizes quality repetition and game-realistic training environments.
Physical & Mental Resilience
The military academy structure provides an unmatched foundation for athletic discipline. Players develop mental toughness, competitive endurance, and the habits of accountability that define winners.
Program Goals & Vision Ahead
Competitive Recruiting
Aggressively building a roster of dedicated, talented players drawn to a program with elite coaching and a clear development pathway to collegiate competition.
Elevating Competition
Establishing a competitive program through improved player training and structured seasonal preparation.
College Placement
Leveraging the Hargrave Athletics staff’s extensive collegiate network and recruiting expertise to connect qualified players with opportunities at the next level.
Culture of Excellence
Instilling in every player the discipline, teamwork, and character that define a Hargrave Man.
Varsity Fencing News
Hargrave Announces Head Fencing Coach
Hargrave Military Academy is proud to announce the appointment of Marek Piotr Stepien OLY as our new Head Fencing Coach. This appointment represents a significant investment in our athletic offerings and our commitment to providing students with exceptional opportunities for competitive excellence and personal development. Stepien is ... Read more
Ready to Compete at a Higher Level?
Join a program with elite coaching, a structured development pathway, and the character-building foundation of a military academy education.