Donald Anthony Jr

Current President of USA Fencing

Head Coach, Ohio State University NCAA Fencing Team

Member of the Executive Committee of the Féderation Internationale d'Escrime (FIE)

Founder and president of SwordSport LLC, the leading promoter of fencing in the world

President and CEO of the Warrior Group, Inc., a management consulting firm that specializes in organizational transformation, leadership development and strategic planning.

Former member of Team USA

BSE, Princeton University, MBA University of Pennsylvania Wharton School

READ DON’S BIO

download Don’s Official Board Candidate statement

We reproduce below, Don Anthony’s response to FP’s question about his 3 top priorities for USA Fencing going forward.

“Thank you for your inquiry. I am looking forward to the opportunity to run for reelection as USA Fencing President and to help our organization build on past successes as well as look ahead to what we need to work on in the future for the improvement of our organization and fencing in America on the whole. The following are my three priorities for USA Fencing as we look ahead to the upcoming quadrennium: 

 1)      The world has changed drastically due to the COVID-19 pandemic and my first priority is to lead the organization’s recovery efforts from the impact this disease has had on our sport. The key to our success going forward is positioning our clubs to reopen strongly and safely and to support our athletes in their return to fencing. The Board, National Office and our volunteers are working on a strategic recovery plan to help everyone rebound from the impact of Covid-19. We will get our clubs open safely and fencers back on the strip as soon as possible.

 2)      A key part of USA Fencing’s mission is the growth of the sport of fencing in the United States. In order to support this growth, I want to significantly increase the number of recreational, beginner and intermediate level coaches and referees as well as develop new educational programs for both coaches and referees. During the next quad, I want to place an emphasis on making fencing accessible and affordable to a growing diverse membership body through outreach programs and diversity and inclusion initiatives. One of the challenges our sport faces is athletes walking away fencing when they go on to college and we need to increase opportunities to continue to fence in college by supporting college club programs. The NCAA system has a strong roster of collegiate fencing programs, but opportunities for young fencers will increase if we can work to establish more NCAA programs as well. Several club teams such as the one at Dennison University have made the transition to NCAA varsity status and we need to work with club teams who are interested in becoming NCAA programs on the necessary steps to do so. We also need to look at launching fencing programs at schools that have been underrepresented in the past, such as Historical Black Colleges and Universities. 

 3)      Sports organizations around the nation are facing financial challenges as the cancellation of events has resulted in the loss of income to support programs. More than ever, we need to focus on diversifying our revenue stream through marketing, sponsorship and development programs and not have to depend so heavily on membership and tournament income. This is a long process and remains a strategic objective. Allocating the required resources to ensure the success and sustainability of this effort is paramount. “