Fencer Upsets World #1 Ranked Opponent as she Qualifies for the US National Team

Name: Lola Possick

Age/Grade: 17, High School Senior

School: Kent Place School

Sport/Activity: Fencing

Position: Member of the US National Team

Family Members: Catherine Villa (Mom), Andrew Possick (Dad), Owen Possick (Brother)

Tell us about your sport?  How long have you participated in this sport/activity?

I started fencing when I was 7 years-old and I’ve been competing nationally for the past 10 years. I began competing at the international level in 2018 when I was 13-years-old.

What attracted you to this sport?

I started fencing because of my older brother, Owen. He’s 5 years older than me so when he started fencing I would watch him at practice and I thought it looked fun. Because of him I got involved in the sport at an early age.

What is your favorite place you travel to for your sport?  

I’m very grateful that I have been able to travel to many different countries for fencing, but my favorite place I’ve competed in so far is Seoul, Korea. Even though I felt the most disoriented there because of the huge time difference and different language, I really enjoyed the food and culture I got to experience while I was there.

What awards or honors have you won? 

Throughout high school so far (2020-2022) I was named First Team All-American and All-Academic Team by US fencing.

2020 First Team All-American

        2020 All-Academic Team

        2021 First Team All-American

        2021 All-Academic Team

        2022 First Team All-American

        2022 All-Academic Team

        I was a 2x National Team Member in 2021 and 2022 and competed in World Championships for Team USA during those years.

How did you feel after qualifying for the US National Team?

I was proud of myself and grateful to my parents and coaches that made it possible to make the National Team, but I also felt more driven after confirming my spot in the World Championships since I now had the opportunity to compete with the very best of each country.

You upset World #1 at the first Olympic qualifying event in Seoul, South Korea, how did you prepare for the match and what does that mean for you moving forward?

Before the match I went through my normal warm-up routine but I was definitely a bit nervous as I went through it. I wasn’t expecting to win that bout, but I remember before it started I kept telling myself to just fight and give it my best. I also felt so supported by my teammates both before, and during the match which helped raise my confidence.

The outcome of the match gave me my best result so far on the International Senior level, but apart from the qualifying points that I earned during the competition, I also felt reaffirmed that I belonged in these types of high-level tournaments.

What have you learned from participating in this sport? What do you like best about the sport?

I have learned a lot about the process of improving and what it takes to break through to new levels. Even though I’ve felt stuck at times during my years in the sport, I’ve learned about resilience and what that looks like for me, and what progress feels like for me.

My favorite thing about fencing is how it feels multi-disciplinary. Unlike some other sports, fencing requires good tactics, strength, speed, coordination, confidence,  and it’s very difficult to get to a high level without being balanced between these things. This balancing aspect of the sport also allows every fencer to develop their own sort of style and define how they are going to move in the sport.

What is your favorite moment? 

Even though winning competitions or matches feels nice, my favorite moments have been when I feel myself improving or I’m able to recognize my small milestones I’ve set for myself. At this point in my fencing career, I’m focused on making many small adjustments to the way I move, think, and act on the strip, so when I feel my body naturally moving and thinking how I want it to, I feel really proud of myself.

What is your goal for the next year and in your sport? 

My ultimate goal for the next year is to make the 2024 Olympic Team in Paris, but during the next season I’ll be focused on staying consistent in competitions and training. Outside of my short-term goals, I ultimately want to inspire new and current generations of female athletes to feel confident in their sport despite their age or skill level. Over time I have developed a sense of belonging in my sport and the community within it, but I want young women in sports to feel more comfortable taking up space in athletic communities, especially in combat sports like fencing.

One tip for someone looking to get into this sport/activity: 

As a beginner, I wish I had known that it was okay to ask questions and take up space at practice. When I was younger I thought I was being “too much” or “too annoying” when I asked questions or for advice from a coach, and as I have gotten older I am proud of my younger self for always having wanted to learn and improve in my sport. Since fencing is a difficult sport to understand at first, asking questions and clarifying any confusion is important.