Megan Gesner – Sabre Coach
Megan was first introduced to fencing when she was 12 years old. After dabbling (and failing) in youth basketball and swimming, she decided to follow in her sister’s (Munira) footsteps and join an after-school fencing program that was started by their middle school Biology teacher.
Surprisingly, fencing came naturally to Megan. She enjoyed it so much that when her parents suggested she join a local sabre club, she jumped at the opportunity. Even though her middle school teacher had taught epee and foil, transitioning to sabre did not deter her from pursuing the sport.
Over the years, Megan and her sister competed in local and national tournaments. In 2008, Megan won gold at the UCSD Bladerunner competition, earning herself a B-rating (she went on to place Top 8 at Bladerunner in 2013 and 2014). In 2009, she was on the Bronze Medal team for Junior Women’s Sabre at the 2009 North American Cup in San Jose. In 2012, she was recruited by UC San Diego and joined her sister on the UC San Diego Fencing Team. That same year, she earned Junior Points in Junior Women’s Saber at the 2012 North American Cup in Virginia Beach.
In the Spring of 2016, Megan graduated from UC San Diego with a B.A. in Human Development. When she’s not coaching, she serves as the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Advocate for UC San Diego’s Athletics Department.
Through her coaching, Megan hopes to motivate the young student-athletes at Team Touche to push themselves to their fullest potential and to develop the capacity to engage as a team.