Melanie has been fencing foil since 2007. She learned to love the sport at the James Madison University Fencing Club. While a student of JMU FC, Melanie served two years as club secretary. Melanie was the individual Virginia Inter-Collegiate Women Fencing Association Champion in foil in 2010. Melanie also captained the women’s foil team which placed 3rd at the National Collegiate Fencing Championship in the same year. Melanie has been a fencer with Richmond Fencing Club since 2011 and has studied under coach Cyndi Lucente. Melanie earned a D rating and placed first in the local events of Coastal Clash 2016, Coastal Clash 2017 and the River City Rumble 2014. Melanie has had top 8 finishes in the Regional Events Charm City Classic 2015, Charm City Classic 2016, and Kick Off Open 2016. Melanie has achieved top 16 finishes in National Div III events in 2016 and 2017. Melanie has been coaching at Richmond Fencing Club since 2018. Melanie has a joy and passion for foil which she shares with her students. Melanie’s beginner and intermediate foil classes focus on helping fencers to combine learned skills with practical strategy to be used in bouts.