The 2025 Veterans World Fencing Championships took place in Manama, Bahrain from November 12th to 20th. Among the 911 fencing representatives from 64 countries was one from Seton Hall: Kate Sierra, senior instructional designer and current graduate student. Student.
Sierra first discovered fencing while attending the University of Northern Iowa to earn a physical education certificate, but a lack of resources forced her to drop out. She searched class directories and experimented with Jazzercise and Zumba, eventually found fencing classes and has continued ever since.
Sierra, who discovered the sport as an adult, says it “exposed her to a lot of diversity.”
from people with different backgrounds and professions [that pursue fencing] Because we love it.”
She explained that “veteran in this case does not mean military service and fencing; it is the equivalent of master level in other countries – anyone 39 years old and older.”
Serving on this committee gives her a direct connection back to serving her community.
“It’s great to have this bond with adults I never would have met otherwise,” Sierra said.
Being an adult athlete was beyond Sierra's wildest dreams. Do you qualify to join Team USA at the 2025 Veterans Championship? She would have told you that you were crazy.
In order to compete on and represent Team USA, Sierra was tasked with placing in the top four in the national competition
Points list. After finishing fifth last year, she was motivated to secure her spot on the team this year.
In preparation for the match, Sierra said she “fenced so much [she] could also
Juggling adult life, owning a fencing club and a full-time job.”
She recognized her husband, who was traveling with her to Bahrain – also her trainer and co-owner of the new Richmond County Fencing Center on Staten Island.
During her training, she wore all her gear, got used to seeing “USA” printed everywhere, and began to realize how important it was to represent her country well.
Kate Sierra at the Veterans World Fencing Championships 2025 | Photo via Kate Sierra
During her stay in Bahrain, Sierra felt honored to be part of a community that supported her physically
and mentally in her first international competition. She thanked her hard-working team and her liaison, Kaitlyn Litton.
It all became real for Sierra as viewers watched from afar and the International Fencing Federation (FIE) broadcast live streams to people around the world.
“With that pressure always in the back of my mind, I really feel like I fenced as best as I could,” Sierra said.
“There was one pool where I felt like I could have done better, but overall I really feel like I did my best like any other sporting experience,” Sierra said. “If you lose,
you learn. And now I know what things I need to improve and work on to be able to do that
to hopefully make it even better next time.”
Although Sierra didn't win gold, she won the hearts of her pirates in the hall.
Blessy Phillip, a junior health sciences major, is proud to say that after three years at SHU, her veins are actually turning blue. It's no surprise that she is extremely proud of Sierra and the hard work she has put in to get to the national stage.
“It’s so inspiring to see what great minds can do,” she said. “Learn more about her
On this journey I feel inspired and encouraged to continue pursuing my passions and hobbies on the side
my major. As a STEM student, I tend to put my creative hobbies aside, but hearing about Kate is one
Reminder that you can do both.”
Claire Bent, a freshman secondary school student, said she was surprised “that she is an employee at Seton Hall [is] also a world-class athlete.”
“I was under the impression that you could only do one job at a time,” Bent added.
Jasai Howard Wright, a freshman political science major, said, “It's amazing that someone enjoys doing something they love outside of working 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.”
Sierra serves as an inspiration to those who have a dream.
Wright added that Sierra also encouraged her to explore her passions outside of her major.
“Personally, it makes me even more convinced to advocate for human rights outside of my major because I know that if anyone can do it, they can do it,” Wright said.
Whether at home or abroad, Sierra encourages students and staff to “pursue excellence.”
Kate Sierra at the Veterans World Fencing Championships 2025 | Photo via Kate Sierra
whatever you want to do.
“Make sure you take advantage of the community because there will be times when you doubt yourself and your passion… but your community will keep you on the path to the goals you set for yourself,” Sierra said.
Kassandrah Blake is a writer for The Setonian's features section. She can be reached at kassandrah.blake@student.shu.edu.