Knights Add Men’s Fencing
En Garde!
(Photo: Lexi Woodcock)
FDU is suiting up another squad — the Knights are launching a men’s NCAA fencing team — marking a milestone moment for the sport and for student-athletes seeking new pathways to compete at the Division I collegiate level. The men’s team is slated to begin competition in the 2027–28 academic year.
Until now, the Knights sponsored a women’s varsity fencing team; adding a men’s team will double the impact of the fencing program. With the addition, the Knights will become the 36th NCAA men’s fencing program.
The Metropolitan Campus is currently home to 390 Division I athletes and 21 varsity athletic programs. Men’s fencing will be the Knights’ 22nd varsity program and 10th on the men’s side.
“This announcement reflects our continued commitment to expanding educational opportunities through sport for our students. The women’s program already has a proud championship tradition, as evidenced by national championships, Olympians and All-Americans. We could not be more excited to build upon this legacy with the addition of a men’s program,” said Bradford Hurlbut, senior associate vice president and director of Knights athletics. “We are grateful to USA Fencing for their partnership. The New York Metropolitan area offers a breadth of fencing clubs; we look forward to being even more a part of that community.”
Brad Suchorski, USA Fencing’s director of member services and growth, applauded the news as a smart, student-centered step.
“Expanding NCAA fencing opportunities matters,” Suchorski said. “When universities add roster spots, they grow access, community and support for a sport that blends precision, respect and resilience. FDU’s decision shows confidence in the future of college fencing and the student-athletes who make it special.”
For fencers, families and fans, the Knights’ move means more chances to don school colors, earn a degree and test their skills on the national stage — exactly the sort of win-win the collegiate model is built to deliver.
Knights Men’s Soccer Wins 10th NEC Championship Title 
The Division I men’s soccer team enjoyed a tremendous season, gaining its first Northeast Conference (NEC) title since 2022 and finishing with 13 wins on the year — the most in a single season since 2008. To win the NEC championship, the Knights defeated Saint Francis 1–0 in overtime, when senior forward Jaime Barbero (at right) sent a header into the goal to secure the win. The Knights advanced to the 2025 NCAA Tournament, where they fell to the Duke Blue Devils 1–0.