Peter Grandbois — Head coach of Denison women’s varsity fencing; coach of Denison men’s club team (transitioning to varsity in 2026). English professor and creative writing instructor. Veteran competitor and longtime coach.
How Denison fencing dates back to at least 1941 — and why college clubs often rise and fall with student energy
The real grind of launching a program: recruiting on campus, building participation, and finding the “tipping point”
Why Denison elevated the women’s team to varsity in 2019, and what helped make the case
The role of culture: “work hard” and “have fun,” creating a team people want to join
Budget and equipment realities — and how to educate decision-makers on what fencing actually needs
Coaching challenges: building three-weapon coaching capacity, learning sabre, and finding additional coaching support
The administrator pitch: enrollment, diversity, academic profile, and cost-benefit
Grandbois’s origin story: starting fencing in college because of a flyer — and why that matters
How competing as a veteran helps him coach better
Fencing and creative writing: risk-taking, discomfort, failure, and persistence
Recruiting lightning round:
Best email subject lines for recruits
Results vs. being a great teammate
What coaches watch when scouting
The ideal parent role
What surprises most fencers about college fencing (strength & conditioning)
“Patience and persistence are the two biggest hallmarks of trying to start a fencing program.”
“We can always grow a fencer, but it’s harder to make them great teammates.”
“Creativity happens in the unknown — in fencing and in writing.”
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First to 15: The Official Podcast of USA Fencing
Host: Bryan Wendell
Cover art: Manna Creations
Theme music: Brian Sanyshyn
