ITHACA, N.Y. – Cornell fencing head coach Daria Schneider has announced that 2012 U.S. Olympian Nicole Ross has been named an assistant coach for the 2016-17 season.
 
"After concluding her best season to date on the international senior circuit, achieving a career best world rank of 10th overall, I'm thrilled to have 2012 Olympian Nicole Ross join my staff," said Schneider. "Nicole brings with her experience, highly developed communication skills, star power, and a unique ability to teach athletes regardless of their level and background in fencing. She is a six-time USA National Team member and is currently the foil team's captain. Nicole has a deep passion for fencing that is evident in her approach to the sport and in her success throughout her star-studded career. Our student-athletes will find a unique and incredible resource in Nicole."
 
Ross has seen success on every level during a fencing career that has included a selection to the US Olympic team in 2012, an NCAA Championship in 2010, an IFA Championship in 2009, a team Junior World Championship in 2009, and an Ivy League Championship in 2008. She is a six-time member of the Senior National Team, serving as team captain since 2012, and helping the team to multiple World Cup medals during that span. Most recently, Ross won a bronze medal at the 2016 Pan American Games and currently ranks third in the US and 12th in the world among foil fencers.
 
A 2013 graduate of Columbia University with a degree in art history, Ross took a leave of absence in 2011-12 in order to train for the London Olympic Games. During her time training she also began coaching at the Fencers Club, Girls Prep Middle School, and eventually served as the head varsity fencing coach for the Marymount School for Girls in Manhattan.
 
For the past two years, Ross served as a program coordinator for Win4Youth, Adecco Group North America's social and philanthropic organization. At Win4Youth, she worked with a team to produce charitable events and initiatives to benefit non-profit organizations around the world.

Photos courtesy of Devin Manky