Kumbla and Xuan Honored by USFCA
5/4/2026 12:15:00 PM | Fencing
Kumbla named men’s foil athlete of the year; Xuan earned women’s epee newcomer of the year
NEW YORK — The United States Fencing Coaches Association named Columbia's Samarth Kumbla National Men's Foil Collegiate Athlete of the Year, and Nicole Xuan Women's Epee Newcomer of the Year on April 30.
Kumbla earned the individual NCAA men's foil title in March, becoming the program's first men's NCAA champion since 2022. He was a second-team All-Ivy League selection after helping the Lions earn the Ivy League Team Championship, and went on to earn a bronze medal at the NCAA Northeast Regionals.
Xuan reached the semifinals in women's epee at the NCAA Championships, securing her a first-team All-America selection. Like Kumbla, Xuan was All-Ivy League Second Team and part of the women's squad that took the Ivy League team crown.
About the USFCA
The United States Fencing Coaches Association (USFCA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides education and professional training to everyone interested in teaching, coaching, and the welfare of the sport of Fencing in the United States of America.
We are members of the Académie d'Armes Internationale (AAI). Therefore, all USFCA certifications are recognized in all member AAI countries. We have recently entered into a strategic alliance with USA Fencing to certify instructors, create educational opportunities, and promote the sport of fencing.
Follow The Lions
For the latest on Columbia's fencing programs, follow @CULionsFencing on X, Instagram and the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
Kumbla earned the individual NCAA men's foil title in March, becoming the program's first men's NCAA champion since 2022. He was a second-team All-Ivy League selection after helping the Lions earn the Ivy League Team Championship, and went on to earn a bronze medal at the NCAA Northeast Regionals.
Xuan reached the semifinals in women's epee at the NCAA Championships, securing her a first-team All-America selection. Like Kumbla, Xuan was All-Ivy League Second Team and part of the women's squad that took the Ivy League team crown.
About the USFCA
The United States Fencing Coaches Association (USFCA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides education and professional training to everyone interested in teaching, coaching, and the welfare of the sport of Fencing in the United States of America.
We are members of the Académie d'Armes Internationale (AAI). Therefore, all USFCA certifications are recognized in all member AAI countries. We have recently entered into a strategic alliance with USA Fencing to certify instructors, create educational opportunities, and promote the sport of fencing.
Follow The Lions
For the latest on Columbia's fencing programs, follow @CULionsFencing on X, Instagram and the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
Players Mentioned
FOIL
/ Fencing
EPEE
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