Daria Schneider made an impact on the strip long before she picked up the coach’s whistle at her alma mater for four seasons. Her contributions came immediately as she stepped on campus, as she led all Lion fencers in victories as a first-year with a 45-9 overall record.
Two years later, Schneider permanently wrote her name in the Lions’ record book when she captured the individual NCAA sabre crown, becoming just the fifth female Columbia fencer to win an individual national title. The two-time All-American found herself on the NCAA podium again in 2009. After taking a year off to train for a spot on the 2008 United States Olympic team, Schneider claimed bronze at the national tournament.Â
A three-time first team All-Ivy League selection, Schneider was a key component of two Ivy League titles during her fencing days, including Columbia’s unblemished 14-0 Ivy League season in 2007. A well-rounded leader, the two-time captain earned the Kestler Award in 2009 for inspiring the team and leading the way to victory. That same year, CollegeFencing360.com named her National Fencer of the Week twice. Schendier concluded her career with the Lions with a 124-20 overall record.
Internationally, the Brookline, Massachusetts, local made the U.S. Senior National Team during her senior campaign and finished 15th at the World Championships.
Schneider also excelled in the classroom, as the Russian literature major was a three-time Academic All-Ivy Leaguer.
