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03/23/2017 12:00 AMHand’s Chloe Moulin is a year-round fencer and the proof of her dedication to the sport has been prominently displayed during the postseason throughout the past three years.
Chloe, who also runs cross country and outdoor track for the Tigers, started fencing in 4th grade and hones her craft by participating in club fencing throughout the offseason. After winning the foil title at the JV State Tournament as a freshman, Chloe finished in second and third place, respectively, in the varsity bracket at the Individual State Championship for her sophomore and junior seasons. This winter, Chloe fenced to another second-place showing to net All-State First Team honors for the third year in a row, after which she went 12-0 at the Team State Championship to help Hand’s girls’ foil squad finish fourth.
“I just try to fence as much as I can. I fence with a club and have just been doing it a long time,” Chloe says. “In practices, I lead drills and demonstrations and help with foot skills. I also attribute any success to my coaches, both my private ones and at Hand. My teammates have also helped me improve.”
Chloe knew that she had to make every strike count and remain composed while competing at such a high-magnitude event like the Team State Championship. Chloe says that her previous experience on the state’s biggest stage paid big dividends for her at the meet this winter.
“I was feeling OK going in. With fewer matches than at individual states, the team is really counting on you, so it can be nerve-racking. Yet I had also fenced most of the competition in the past going into it,” Chloe says. “I’m now less jittery going into tournaments. I have gotten more used to how hectic they can be, so I feel more comfortable at them, which has helped me fence better over the years.”
Tigers’ Head Coach Rich Fisler has seen Chloe display great class as a competitor during the past few years. Fisler compliments Chloe for how she goes about passing on her expertise to the future wave of Tigers’ fencers.
“She is a captain, has fenced for four years, and I have seen her dedicate herself not only to the sport, but to teaching others. She is well-respected across the state not only as a fencer, but also as a person with incredible sportsmanship,” says Fisler. “She never complains or argues with a ref. She is always respectful of her opponents, coaches, and referees alike. She has served as an example for younger fencers to follow and will be sorely missed next year. She is also active in other sports and has an excellent academic record, demonstrating the features of a true student-athlete.”
The nurturing atmosphere of the Tigers’ fencing program gave Chloe all the fuel she needed to ignite her fullest potential. Chloe says that teaching the sport to Hand’s up-and-coming athletes is the perfect way to give back to the team.
“Hand fencing has grown a lot since I’ve been here. We have about 60 kids now after it had just started as a club team. Coach Fisler has been amazing and more people are excited about fencing. It’s an open and welcoming environment,” says Chloe. “I liked teaching fencing almost as I like competing in it. I’ve refereed for meets and tournaments, too. It’s nice to teach those that really want to learn.”
Looking back at her career with Hand fencing, Chloe says that she never thought she’d be a three-time All-State athlete. More importantly, Chloe’s experience with the Tigers has left an indelible mark on her life with the vast amount of friendships she’s formed.
“The team has been so supportive. It’s been a fun four years and I’ve grown as a fencer. My freshman year, I never thought I would be competing at individual states,” says Chloe, who thanks her entire family, along with her coaches and teammates. “It’s also great to see so many former fencers return at alumni meet. It’s like they never left. I’ve made so many friends through fencing here.”