About Traverse City Fencing Club
Our mission is to empower fencers of all skill levels to create their own success.
To do this, we…
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â—¦ Provide high-caliber coaching in a safe and supportive environment;
â—¦ Give youth a place to belong, develop, and achieve; and
â—¦ Promote fencing in the local community and advocate for its value as a sport of choice.
We believe that the centuries-old sport of fencing builds character through discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
Meet Our Staff
Robert Bartle
Coach
Coach Bartle is a USFA-registered fencing coach, SafeSport certified, and co-founder of the Traverse City Fencing Club. Robert’s coaching style emphasizes the importance of fitness and coordination, and the mental-emotional flexibility needed for high-level performance. His coaching assists fencers in achieving high rankings and top-level finishes in regional and national competitions.
Laurie
Lapp
Coach
Coach Lapp was introduced to fencing in 2012 as a fencing mom. Since then, she has competed at the local, regional, and national level, in both saber and epee, and has ratings in saber, epee, and foil. In 2022, Laurie earned her Moniteur coaching credentials from the USFCA. She is SafeSport certified and is a USA Fencing certified referee in all three weapons.
Devan DePauw
Armorer
Devan has been fencing epee and working on equipment since 2019. Whether troubleshooting strips, maintaining the facility, or fine-tuning FIE weapons before a national competition, our armorer works tirelessly to make sure your gear is kept in good order and that the club stays operational. Devan is SafeSport certified and is a USA Fencing certified referee in all three weapons.
Board of Directors
Jeff Underhill
President
Deana Jerdee
Secretary
Laurie Lapp
Treasurer
Eric Ranieri
Director
Kathryn DePauw
Director
Devan DePauw
Director
History
Traverse City Fencing Club, formerly Three Swords Fencing Club, was established in 2010. There is no exact date we can recall launching the club but it was around that time we started using the name and logo. When we first started we held our fencing practices in the Northwestern Michigan College, which worked until we wanted to have our own space. Then in December of 2010 we officially became a USFA club and shortly after that in April of 2011 we started renting the building on Cass Road.
In 2019 we obtained our non-profit status as a 501(c)3. Our mission is to provide a safe, supportive environment to teach the sport of fencing with the overall goal of helping people achieve confidence, fitness, and balanced lives. We stress the importance of sportsmanship, teamwork, fitness, and technical skill, that will allow our athletes to take fencing to whatever level they choose.
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Thank you to our Sponsors!
