Forge Fencing would like to congratulate and thank all of the athletes and families who participated in this year's Priority on Youth (POY) Series. The 2025-2026 season was our biggest and most competitive yet, bringing together young fencers from across the region to compete, learn, and grow throughout the year.
This season featured four highlighted tournaments with events in Youth 10 Foil, Youth 12 Foil, and Youth 10, Youth 12, and Youth 14 Saber. Across the series, athletes recorded more than 200 event registrations, with 81 individual fencers participating throughout the season. The series attracted competitors from across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, including athletes representing North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
The Priority on Youth Series was designed to encourage consistent participation and reward athletes for strong performances throughout the year. Competitors earned points based on their results at each event, with point values adjusted according to the strength and size of the tournament field. Larger and more competitive events offered greater opportunities to earn points, ensuring that athletes were rewarded for success against strong competition.
Decision making time on the Prize table
To determine the final standings, each athlete's top three tournament finishes were counted toward their overall POY total. This format rewarded both excellence and consistency while allowing athletes multiple opportunities to improve their ranking throughout the season.
We are proud to recognize Ethan Ghim as the 2026 Priority on Youth Overall Points Champion. Ethan demonstrated outstanding performance and consistency across the season to finish at the top of a talented field of competitors. Congratulations on an exceptional achievement!
Congrats Ethan Ghim for being our 2026 POY Points Winner!
The season concluded with our annual prize table celebration, where athletes were recognized for their efforts and had the opportunity to select prizes based on their final standings. More importantly, the series showcased the dedication, sportsmanship, and growth of every athlete who stepped onto the strip throughout the year.
The athletes waiting very patiently for the prize table selection to begin
A special thank you goes to the members of the Forge Foundation Teen Leader Program, who played a significant leadership role throughout the season. From assisting with tournament operations and athlete support to helping create a welcoming environment for competitors and families, these young leaders exemplified the values that define Forge Fencing: Community, Integrity, Perseverance, Resilience, and Accountability. Their leadership helped create a positive and welcoming experience for everyone involved and demonstrated the impact young leaders can have within our fencing community.
Coaches and Teen Leaders working together to support the athletes
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to Tan Le of Tangent Monkeys for creating the incredible custom prizes that made this year's prize table so memorable. The creativity and craftsmanship behind these awards helped make the season finale a truly special celebration for our athletes.
A huge thank you goes to Coach Stephen Pashby for his work as a USA Fencing Certified Referee Observer. Throughout the series, Coach Pashby utilized these events as opportunities to mentor and evaluate developing referees, helping generate more certified fencing officials for our growing sport. His efforts are making a lasting impact on the future of fencing in our region.
We would also like to recognize Jamie Kite of Jamie Kite Photography for helping document these events throughout the season. Jamie's photographs captured the excitement, determination, and sportsmanship that made this year's series so memorable.
Parents and athletes can view and purchase event photos here:
https://jamiekitephotography.pixieset.com/guestlogin/poy-finale/?return=%2Fpoy-finale%2F
Thank you to all of the athletes, parents, coaches, referees, volunteers, Teen Leaders, and supporters who contributed to this year's Priority on Youth Series. We look forward to building on this momentum and making next season even bigger and better.
Congratulations to all of our participants, we love to watch you fence!
Save the Date: 2026 Big Blue Open
Before we turn our attention to next year's Priority on Youth Series, be sure to mark your calendars for one of Forge Fencing's premier annual events - the 2026 Big Blue Open, scheduled for August 22-23, 2026.
The Big Blue Open will once again feature Youth 12 events and the return of our famous Perpetual Trophies, giving athletes the opportunity to compete for one of the most unique and prestigious awards in regional fencing.
We look forward to welcoming athletes, coaches, and families from across the region for another exciting weekend of competition and community.
Registration will be available soon on AskFRED.net. Stay tuned for additional event details and announcements!
Forge Fencing Academy & Club would like to thank our Teen Leaders, and Teen Leaders in Training for their outstanding work this season!
Bout Committee
Ava Ellis-Furlong
Jacqueline Halley
Nabha Soman
Emma Ming
Abdullatif Tuna
Armory & Technical Support
Katya Wilfret
Lane Webb
Officials
Neema Johnson
Bennett Crain
Ava Ellis-Furlong
Blaise Moore
Myer Bramlett
Cadel Henry
Julia Balin
Nabha Soman
Nora Xie
Neila Huang
Rachel Joseph
Indraa Soman
Dylan Johnson
Colin Yeazel
Katya Wilfret
Daisy Guo
Alex Zeng
Prize Table Points
Overall Points
May 31 Event
Questions:
Please feel free to email us with questions: info@forgefencing.com.