Rebecca Ward

Rebecca Ward, born on February 7, 1990, in Grand Junction, Colorado, established herself as a prominent figure in American fencin. She began fencing during her high school years, alongside participating in whitewater kayaking. Ward quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the youngest U.S. fencer to win an individual Senior World Championship. Her early career highlights include multiple gold medals in Cadet, Junior, and Senior World Championship teams. She was coached by Ed Korfanty, Charles Randall, and Jacek Huchwajda at the Oregon Fencing Alliance.

Ward’s collegiate career at Duke University was marked by significant achievements. She earned four-time NCAA All-American honors and became the first saber fencer to win three NCAA individual titles in 2009, 2011, and 2012. Academically, she pursued majors in Public Policy and Psychology, along with a Certificate in Energy and the Environment, earning recognition as a four-time ACC Academic All-American. Her overall collegiate record stood at 272–7 (.975), making her Duke’s all-time wins leader.

A pivotal point in Ward’s career was the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she secured two bronze medals in both individual and team sabre events. Following her competitive career, Ward contributed to the field of clean energy as a Senior Director at the Clean Energy Leadership Institute until April 2021. She currently directs the Saber Program for the Arlington Fencers’ Club in Arlington, Virginia. Her contributions to fencing were recognized with inductions into the FIE Hall of Fame in 2013 and the USA Fencing Hall of Fame in 2015, solidifying her legacy in the sport.