NEW YORK, N.Y. and COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.  — The City College of New York Department of Athletics and Recreation has announced the addition of NCAA Men's Fencing beginning with the 2027-28 academic year, restoring one of the most storied programs in collegiate fencing while marking another significant milestone in the continued growth of CCNY Athletics.

The new program revives a men's fencing tradition that helped shape the sport nationally, producing Olympic medalists, NCAA champions, All-Americans, and a United States Olympic coach. The addition also reflects CCNY Athletics' ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for student-athletes and strategically growing its NCAA offerings.

The launch is supported through a multi-year grant from USA Fencing awarded to The Foundation for City College in support of the men's fencing program, which includes a guaranteed base investment of $30,000, with the opportunity to receive up to $60,000 over the next two to three years to support facility development, equipment purchases, and broader program growth initiatives. The investment will help establish the infrastructure necessary for long-term success while expanding access to collegiate fencing opportunities at CCNY. The partnership underscores a shared commitment to growing the sport and strengthening pathways for aspiring student-athletes to compete at the NCAA level.

"This announcement represents another exciting step forward for CCNY Athletics as we continue to invest in opportunities that enhance the student-athlete experience and support the long-term growth of our department," said Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation, Duane Bailey. "Men's fencing has a remarkable history at City College, and we are proud to restore that legacy while creating new opportunities for future generations of Beavers."

Current women's fencing head coach Paul Yuen will serve as the inaugural Director of Fencing, overseeing both the men's and women's programs. Under Yuen's leadership, the women's program has continued to elevate its competitive profile while producing student-athletes who excel both academically and athletically.

"CCNY has one of the richest fencing legacies in the country, and helping bring its men's program back is exactly the kind of work we love to do," said Brad Suchorski, USA Fencing's Director of Membership, Service, and Growth. "Reviving a program with this much history is a win for the sport and for every fencer who will get to wear the lavender and gray."

The revival of men's fencing continues a period of momentum for CCNY Athletics that includes strategic program growth, facility investments, and expanded partnerships designed to enhance the overall student-athlete experience. The announcement also aligns with broader growth within collegiate fencing, as institutions across the country have launched or reinstated programs in recent years.

City College's fencing tradition dates back to the mid-20th century when the Beavers established themselves as a national power. Among the program's most notable alumni is Albert "Albie" Axelrod, a five-time Olympian and bronze medalist at the 1960 Olympic Games who won NCAA and Intercollegiate Fencing Association individual foil championships while competing for CCNY. Harold Goldsmith added another NCAA individual title in 1952, further cementing the program's national prominence.

"Bringing back a program as historic as CCNY's creates new pathways for young fencers while honoring a legacy that helped shape the sport in this country," said Phil Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of USA Fencing. "We're eager to continue partnering with institutions that share our vision for the sport's growth."