Ever since the fourth grade, Coppell High School junior Grace Hao has always held a foil (fencing sword) in her hand after school. Recently, Hao committed to University of Pennsylvania through fencing.

“I feel good, there is no pressure anymore,” Hao said. “I am less nervous about things and I am more confident in myself. I try my best without getting too nervous.”

Hao has been fencing for eight years. She practices everyday after school for about two hours.  

Hao has been able to practice the sport for about eight years because it was something that relieved a lot of stress off of her.

“Fencing to me is something that I can turn to for fun, that isn’t necessarily stressful, Hao said.  Fencing is my go to for stress relief. I love being able to have something that I can do or lean on to brighten my mood and keep my mind off of things when I’m stressed, angry or sad.”

Hao credits a lot of her success to her coach, Hossam Mahmoud.

“I am happy that she is happy,” Mahmoud said. “She is very sharp and focused and she knows what she wants. When it is time to score, she does not hesitate. She knows if she hesitates, she loses her chance.”

Even though practicing fencing is fun for Hao, it is not all that easy.

“There is a lot of traveling that comes with fencing,” Hao said. “Having to manage homework while I am away on weekends is very hard. When I am out and I have exams, it is really hard to study for them. I also have to make stuff up because of all the days I miss. But overall it is worth it, because at the same time I know that I am doing something that I love.”  

She is still inspired by many fencers who have attended her academy such as United States Olympians Mona Shaito and Zain Shaito.

“It is really nice to see both of them going there,” Hao said. “We practice together and we are friends, and I thought is was very motivational.”

Even though Hao looks up to many successful fencers, there are fencers at Hao’s academy that look upon her, such as CHS freshman Helen Tan.

“It is so cool because she is only a junior and she got committed,” Tan said. “She gets to do what she likes at UPENN, which I would love to do. She coaches me and we really bond together at tournaments. I am really happy for her.”  

Another coach of Hao’s, Rhonda Trietsch, is impressed with how Hao has progressed.

“She is a very smart fencer,” Trietsch said. “She uses the the tactics very well, and she can implement the strategies we have instilled in her.”

Hao hopes to progress further into fencing, as the sport defines her as a unique person.

Follow Nishant @Nishantnm1