Neha Higa, a sophomore, recently embraced the sport of fencing, beginning her journey in November of her freshman year. Although her entrance was late and challenging due to an unwelcoming initial club environment, she found a supportive community after switching clubs last October. Since then, Higa has thrived in one of the nation鈥檚 top fencing academies, appreciating the encouragement from both coaches and peers. After a six-month hiatus from the sport, she rejoined with renewed motivation to learn and improve her skills.

By the Numbers
  • Neha switched fencing clubs in October 2025 after an unsatisfactory initial experience.
  • She took a six-month break before returning at the start of her sophomore year.
State of Play
  • Higa is currently training at a top 20 fencing academy, enhancing her skill development.
  • She enjoys a positive training atmosphere, surrounded by supportive teammates and coaches.
What's Next

Looking ahead, Higa plans to continue honing her fencing skills and integrating into her club鈥檚 community, aiming to catch up with more experienced fencers. She is motivated to embrace further challenges and expand her capabilities in the sport.

Bottom Line

Neha Higa's journey underpins a broader narrative of resilience and community support in sports. Her experience illustrates that a welcoming environment can significantly influence motivation and growth, especially for those new to a discipline.