Four UC San Diego fencers were honored in the 2026 MPSF Annual Awards, highlighting their standout performances. Katherine Kim received Women's Fencer of the Year for the second year, while Nurzhan Abzhanov and Piper Randolph were recognized as Newcomers of the Year. Head Coach Juan Ignacio Calderon was named Coach of the Year after leading the women's team to defend their title and achieving four individual championships at the MPSF. All three athletes excelled at the MPSF Championships and qualified for NCAA Championships, marking a significant milestone for the Triton fencing program.

By the Numbers
  • Katherine Kim is the first fencer in MPSF history to win multiple Women's Fencer of the Year awards.
  • Nurzhan Abzhanov is the third-straight Triton to win Men's Newcomer of the Year.
State of Play
  • Katherine Kim finished 11th at the NCAA Championships, earning Honorable Mention All-America honors.
  • Under Coach Calderon's leadership, four fencers qualified for NCAA Championships this season.
What's Next

The Triton fencing program looks to build on this success in the upcoming season, with a strong focus on recruiting and developing new talent to maintain their competitive edge.

Bottom Line

UC San Diego's fencing accolades reflect a strong program foundation and individual excellence, setting high expectations for the future as they transition into NCAA Division I.