Teen fencer Maria Furman, who attends Old Tappan High School in New Jersey, makes school history by winning the state high school epee championship as the school's sole fencer. Despite living in Cliffside Park, she commutes to Old Tappan through a sports medicine program and trains at fencing clubs in Bridgewater, NJ, and Orangeburg, NY. Furman, a sophomore, has a packed schedule, spending countless hours in the car for practice and school commutes. Her passion for fencing developed after having to give up gymnastics due to bunions, and she has excelled in the epee category, despite initially being shy.

By the Numbers
  • Sophomore Maria Furman won the state high school epee championship, marking Old Tappan's first win in the sport.
  • She fenced independently to represent her school, triumphing in a tournament consisting of four rounds and 19 bouts, ultimately facing one loss.
State of Play
  • Maria Furman trains at two fencing clubs, competes independently, and has aspirations to fence internationally, balancing her athletic pursuits with academic interests in medicine and sciences.
  • She leads a demanding schedule, traveling extensively for fencing competitions and maintaining interests in other recreational sports.
Bottom Line

Maria Furman, a dedicated teen fencer, showcases remarkable commitment and talent as she defies odds and clinches victory in the highly competitive sport of fencing, all while aspiring to pursue a career in medicine and sciences.