After a season marked by challenges, growth, and memorable memories, the Girls Fencing Team is entering a new chapter. Leading the charge into next year are two rising juniors, Sunny Chen and Madilyn Mercado, who will be becoming captains alongside this past season’s captain Agnieszka Nalepa, a rising senior. Despite still being sophomores, both Madilyn and Sunny have already proven themselves not just as skilled athletes, but as passionate leaders ready to shape the team’s future.

Their promotion to team co-captains wasn’t a surprise to their teammates or current captain. “Sunny and Maddy were always very passionate about fencing. Ever since they joined, they were very ambitious and excited to learn,” said captain Agnieszka Nalepa. “They are very supportive of their teammates, they also help create a unified team atmosphere.” After carrying the responsibility as a captain for the Girls Fencing Team this past season, Agnieszka says she’s relieved and excited to continue to work with Maddy and Sunny next season. “There’s no chance that one of us will be left alone,” she said.

Coach Diane Ramirez spoke highly of the two new captains: “Both of them are very dedicated fencers…they both had an outstanding season. They [have both become] really successful fencers that we can depend on.” Additionally, she spoke about their leadership potential: “Both of them were always very present during practice…they’re both really responsible…they always help the younger, or more novice students, so it’s very easy to see that they’re ready for the leadership roles.”

Sunny Chen’s fencing journey began unexpectedly when a friend pulled her to the tryouts freshman year. What started as casual interest quickly became something much deeper. “I came into fencing thinking it would just be another thing to put on my college apps,” Sunny admitted, “but (now) I fence not because of that but because…I really have grown to love this sport and my team.”

Over the past two seasons, Sunny has evolved into a determined fencer and a trusted leader. Despite the struggle of trying to balance both fencing and academics, Sunny has stuck with the sport. “It’s something I’m willing to sacrifice time for,” she said.

Growing from a “rookie” fencer to a skilled player, Sunny gained more experience with every game. In her first game against Francis Lewis High School this season, “I lost all of my confidence and started rushing” when the scales started to tip towards the opposing team. “That game really hurt me but it was also from there that I had the habit of watching over my bouts to fix my mistakes.” This mistake was a catalyst for her growth, and ultimately, her hard work had finally paid off during the playoffs. “I realized that my fencing skills have improved drastically when I beat a C Rated (fencer) from another school. She placed first at all PSAL tournaments last year. I went into that bout with the goal of not losing too many points but the result was that I actually won against her,” Sunny said.

Beyond her personal victories, Sunny also shines in how she supports and leads her team, according to teammates. “Sunny has always had a voice on the team. On the day of tryouts she was already giving advice and tips on how to improve my form,” freshman teammate Logan Liu said.

With a background in Muay Thai and Jiu-Jitsu, Maddy brought both discipline and joy to her teammates. Although it was her father who first suggested trying out for fencing, her bond with this sport started to grow over the past two seasons, she said.

One of her most memorable moments came during an away game against Benjamin N. Cardozo High School. She went into the bout expecting the worst, but surprisingly, she landed with more touches than she had in any other match that season. “It’s insane what adrenaline does to your body,” she said, laughing.

“Maddy’s behavior always has shown brightly at practice and her ability to assess her teammates and opponents brought our team higher…she would always be there to support and take the lead,” Logan. Additionally, Logan spoke about the support she got from Maddy: “during practice, Maddy would sometimes take me out individually to work on my attacks or actions and it helped me improve how I react in a match. She took her own practice time to help me grow and become more adjusted to foil.”

Townsend Harris Girls Fencing team can look forward to a new era with the two new captains, Madilyn Mercado and Sunny Chen.

“They just need to continue what they were doing this year…helping, teaching, communicating, and showing kindness,” Coach Ramirez said.

Other teammates expressed their excitement. “They’ve shown more than enough that they could be capable captains through the season. They dedicate a lot of time to fencing inside and out of school, and they help us a lot and give advice on our fencers during practices,” said sophomore teammate Stella Hwang.

“I found they were both very endearing and cared deeply for everyone on the team while maintaining a strong sense of judgement…I don’t think I could see anyone better but the two of them to fulfill this role,” Logan said.