University of North Carolina Athletics
Fencing Earns Six USFCA Award Finalists
April 16, 2026 | Fencing
CHAPEL HILL, N.C.- Carolina fencing earned six finalist awards from the United States Fencing Coaches Association on Tuesday, April 14. Â
Three fencers and two members of the coaching staff were named finalists for national awards.
National champion Youssef Shamel was named a finalist for both the Men's Epee Newcomer and Epee Fencer of the Year. Shamel was the first national champion in 43 years for Carolina.
Peter Bruk was a finalist for Men's Foil Fencer of the Year. Bruk won the first foil conference title since the 1970s and tied Carolina's best foil NCAA finish, coached by Adam Kaszubowski, a finalist for Men's Team Assistant Coach of the Year.
Dagny Johnson delivered one of the program's best NCAA performances, finishing second among women's saber freshmen since 2001 and earning finalist honors for Women's Saber Newcomer of the Year.
Head coach Matt Jednak was a finalist for Men's Team Coach of the Year after the men's top ten NCAA finish and the individual national title.Â
Finalists
Youssef Shamel, Men's Epee Newcomer & Epee Fencer of the Year
Peter Bruk, Men's Foil Fencer of the Year
Dagny Johnson, Women's Saber Newcomer of the Year
Matt Jednak Men's Team Coach of the Year
Adam Kaszubowski, Men's Team Assistant Coach of the Year
