“One team, one heartbeat.”

A phrase repeated by the Notre Dame fencing team. A slogan they reflect on outside of their locker room everyday as they continue their program’s Golden Age of success. 

Currently in the heart of their season, both the Notre Dame men's and women's fencing teams continue to make a name for themselves as one of the most dominant programs in the nation. Fencing may be a niche sport to most, but for Notre Dame, it’s one of the school’s most elite sports. 

The Michael DeCicco Duals, held at their home facility on January 24-25, served as a perfect outlet for the team to showcase their skills. Over a two-day competition, the Irish went undefeated presenting a mix of confidence and strategy. The team faced a variety of high level Division I and club teams, with the second-ranked Notre Dame women's team now holding a 17-1 record this season. In March of 2026, the team will go on to host the NCAA Championships.

More than Numbers

The women’s team went a perfect 8-0 over the two day competition. Athletes including Felicity Sebastian, Kaitlyn Hulseberg, and Maria Mozhaeva went 12-0 on Saturday, with Zoe Kim and Chelsea Delsoin going 11-1 on opening day. On Sunday, Daena Talavera performed a perfect 12-0, making her season record now 15-0. These results attribute to the team's dedication as they prepare to potentially earn another NCAA title. They currently hold 14 titles, the most by any team in Notre Dame’s athletic history. The team's results reflect supremacy, but the significance of the team’s performance goes well beyond the number of wins and losses earned.

Breaking Boundaries throughout the University

The Notre Dame women’s team has consistently brought respect and attention to the sport of fencing, but this season is something even more special. Starting in 2026, the NCAA will finally host its first women’s only team fencing championship. 

This gives teams like Notre Dame and other women’s programs the chance to earn a title on their own terms, without being overshadowed by a combined team title. This way, women collegiate fencers can finally make a name for themselves and see their hard work turn into their well-earned results. 

This inaugural championship will be held March 19-20 at Notre Dame, with the Irish as a top prospect for this first historic victory. Notre Dame isn’t just making an impact in fencing, they’re making a statement for women’s sports across their entire university. A groundbreaking win like this would not only help add to the team's history of success, but would elevate the university’s year-long celebration, Cheer Her Name as well.  

To recognize 50 years of women’s varsity athletics at Notre Dame, Cheer Her Name is a year-long celebration throughout the 2025-2026 academic year, honoring those behind the success of their women's teams. The Irish have the opportunity to earn the recognition they’ve long deserved, while inspiring athletes of all types to continue striving for equality and VISibility. 

Securing the first Women’s NCAA Fencing Championship title would not only be transformative for the program, but would also highlight the number of barriers in women’s athletics that still exist today. For the Irish, this season can allow them to showcase their talents in a way that women’s collegiate fencing has never seen before. 

As highlighted by Phil Andrews, CEO of USA Fencing, “By 2026, those athletes will fence for a championship trophy that was built for them. That prospect will spark new programs, elevate existing ones, and remind every young fencer that equity is more than a talking point—it’s our sport’s promise.” This change is more than just another trophy. It's a step towards destroying long standing barriers in sports to uplift women athletes all over the world. 

Next For the Irish

The Irish still have a long way to go before the NCAA championships, including the Alex and Elizabeth Beguinet Classic, Ron Miller Invitational, and ACC Championships. Notre Dame continues to empower their athletes through school wide movements, recognition, and strong performances, proving that this women’s team has the ability to make huge strides for the sport of fencing and women’s sports as a whole.