University of North Carolina Athletics
Bruk & Shamel Named ACC Fencer Of The Year
April 8, 2026 | Fencing
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -Â For the first time in program history, Carolina has two Atlantic Coast Conference Fencer of the Year awards. Youssef Shamel and Peter Bruk won Fencer of the Year for their respective weapons.
Bruk is the first ever foil fencer in Carolina history to win conference fencer of the year. Shamel is the second straight men's epee fencer to win conference fencer of the year.
Both fencers had historic seasons, starting with the Atlantic Coast Conference Championships. For the first time since 1976, men's fencing won two individual men's titles at ACCs. Bruk (Foil) and Shamel (Epee).
The duo followed that up with an incredible performance at the Mid-Atlantic/South Regional. Shamel won the first-ever regional championship in Carolina history. Bruk had the best men's foilist regional finish since at least 2011, when he finished in second.
Both fencers qualified for the national championships. Peter Bruk tied the best finish by a Carolina men's foil fencer in NCAA Championships history as he finished in third. Kevin Bruen first achieved this feat in 1994.Â
Youssef Shamel won the first national championship for Carolina fencing for the first time in 43 years and the first ever in men's epee.
Both fencers finished with First Team All-America honors.
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Players Mentioned
