Five Tufts Fencers Earn Elite USFCA All-American Honors
MEDFORD, MA (March 31, 2025) – A remarkable achievement has emerged from the Tufts University women’s fencing team, as five standout athletes have secured their place as USFCA Division III All-Americans for the 2024-25 season. This prestigious recognition underscores the incredible skill, dedication, and hard work of these fencers, who have left their mark on the sport.
Meet the All-Americans
Graduate student Lea Levi, senior Shannon Chen, junior Karen Bei, and sophomore Nitika Subramanian have all been honored as DIII Second Team All-Americans. In addition, first-year Anahat Bawa made waves as a DIII Honorable Mention All-American. This impressive roster reflects the depth of talent within the Jumbo program.
Understanding the All-American Selection
The selection process for the USFCA Division III All-American awards is a rigorous one, taking into account each fencer's performance throughout the regular season and during the post-season, including trickier competitions like the NCAA Regionals and NCAA Championships. This meticulous evaluation ensures that only the most deserving athletes receive these accolades, making their achievements all the more significant.
Highlights of the Honorees
Karen Bei – A Triple Threat
For Karen Bei, this marks the third consecutive year earning All-American status after her impressive First Team selections in 2023 and 2024. With an astonishing 104-27 record in 131 epee bouts this season, Bei achieved a remarkable .794 winning percentage. Her tenacity shined through as she captured the Eastern Women's Fencing Championship (EWFC) Epee Fencer of the Year, going undefeated with a 13-0 record. She continued her triumphant trend at the National Intercollegiate Women's Fencing Association (NIWFA), where she finished with a perfect 14-0 mark and was also recognized as a Northeast Fencing Conference (NFC) First Team All-Star.
Shannon Chen – A Welcome Return
Returning from a semester abroad, Shannon Chen quickly regained her footing to clinch her second national honor after earning an Honorable Mention last year. Her 37-17 overall record in foil (for a .685 winning percentage) reflects her significant impact once she returned to the team. Her success was highlighted by being named the EWFC Foil Fencer of the Year and finishing 21st at the NCAA Regional.
Lea Levi – Rising to the Occasion
Lea Levi, who was selected to the NFC Second Team this year, has made a significant impact with a 75-39 overall record in foil matches, translating to a .658 winning percentage. She tallied eight victories at the NCAA Regional, positioning herself 16th in the foil division—further establishing her as a formidable competitor.
Nitika Subramanian – A Rising Star
Nitika Subramanian dazzled in sabre with her nine wins, culminating in a 14th-place finish at the NCAA Regional—both marks that stood as the best for the Jumbos. With a final record of 60-41 and a .594 winning percentage, her growth as an athlete is a thrill to witness.
Anahat Bawa – Making Waves as a Rookie
Lastly, first-year fencer Anahat Bawa has made a significant mark in her debut season. A standout in sabre, she ranked 19th at the NCAA Regional and finished with a solid 49-40 record (for a .551 winning percentage), showcasing the promise of her future in the sport.
Team Achievements and Future Prospects
As a unit, the Tufts Jumbos concluded the season with an 18-19 dual meet record, showcasing competitive spirit and resilience in every match. Their collaborative effort led them to second place out of 15 teams at the NIWFA meet and a commendable fourth in the USFCA's Division III Women's Team of the Year voting.
These accolades are not just numbers but a testament to the hard work and camaraderie within the team. As they continue to train for future competitions, one thing is clear: the future looks bright for Tufts women's fencing, and fans can expect even greater achievements in the seasons to come.
For details on the 2025 USFCA Fencing All-American Teams, you can find more information HERE (PDF).
Go Jumbos!
