Carrollton's First All-Girls Fencing Team Triumphs in Debut Tournament

Adriana de Melo '28, a freshman and Certified USA Fencing Junior Coach, has already left a lasting mark on Carrollton's athletics scene. Just two months after launching the school’s first-ever all-girls fencing team, Adriana led her teammates into the South Florida South Fencing League Tournament, where they competed against local schools, including the boys’ team from Belen Jesuit.

The tournament was an exciting test for the new team, and Carrollton made its presence known from the start. In their debut competition, the young athletes showed impressive skill and determination, proving that their commitment to the sport had already begun to pay off.

Special thanks go to head coach Susana Fornaris, whose dedicated instruction and guidance have been instrumental in shaping these young fencers into a cohesive, competitive team. With her support and expertise, the team has rapidly gained confidence, and their success in this first tournament has only fueled their drive to improve.

The day saw multiple Carrollton fencers take home medals. Gold went to Juliette Herold '32, Roxanna Sauceda '31, and team captain Lara Barakat '31, whose performances demonstrated skill and sportsmanship in every bout. Bronze medals were earned by Angelina Byrd '25, Layla Smith '26, and Molly San Juan '29, rounding out an impressive haul of awards for this fledgling team.

Carrollton’s all-girls fencing team is more than a sports squad—it’s a testament to the power of young women taking on new challenges and succeeding. The team’s remarkable start sends a clear message: girls can excel in any arena when they set their minds to it. With their unwavering dedication, there’s no limit to what these athletes can achieve.