Fates Fencing Academy
About
Carissa Hammonds, Head Coach and Founder
Coach Carissa started fencing in 1996 while attending Virginia Tech where she competively fenced in foil and epee with the Virginia Tech Fencing Club. When she moved home to West Virginia, she continued fencing with WVU’s fencing club. She moved around over the years with her husband and children before finally settling down in the Poconos in 2016. She started working with the Pocono Family YMCA as an assistant swim team coach and a year later she started the fencing program at the YMCA. Over four years, the YMCA program successfully grew from six fencers to over forty. She took the program from a introductory class to a competitive team with fencers in all three weapons. Coach Carissa serves as the Chair of the Northeast PA Division of USA Fencing, on the Professional Development Committee at US Fencing Coaches Association, and as a board member and Vice President of WFencing. She is a Moniteur de Fleuret and currently working towards her Moniteur d’ Armes. Coach Carissa continues to compete in Veteran Women’s foil and epee as well as open water swimming.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I teach group beginners and advanced fencing classes out of Pocono Family YMCA, private schools, and community centers. I am available for private lessons also. I am also running Summer Fencing Campe at Moravian Academy.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been fencing since 1996 and coaching since 2019. I am a USFCA certified coach in foil. I am currently working on my certification in epee and saber.
How did you get started teaching?
Started as a swim coach for my daughter's team. From there I started and developed a fencing program out of the Pocono Family YMCA.
What types of students have you worked with?
I have taught swimming in all ages; 6 months through seniors. I currently coach fencers age seven through eighty-two.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I recently started competing on a regional level and am looking forward to competing this summer at Nationals.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Find a coach that challenges but keeps your goals at the center of your training. Also look for someone that keeps the game fun and interesting.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What do you want to get out of fencing?
What kind of time physically and mentally are you committed to help bring you goals ti life?
Do you want to be a competitive or recreational fencer, or maybe somewhere in between the two?
What learning style and support helps you the most to grow?