CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – The Harvard fencing program is excited to announce the arrival of six new student-athletes, who are set to join the program as a part of the team's Class of 2030. This elite group of competitors will look to make an immediate impact when they join the team in Cambridge this Fall.
The group is made up of four women's fencers and two men's fencers. The women's team is set to welcome, Charmaine Andres (Saber), Jolie Korfonta (Epee), Sierra Springer (Epee) and Julie Xiao (Saber). On the men's side, the group will add Shaun Kim (Saber) and Stewart Lee (Epee) to the program as a part of its Class of 2030.
This talented group of incoming first-years will join a program that looks to continue its progression under Head Coach, Daria Schneider, and her staff. The Crimson has finished in the top five at the NCAA Championships in every season of Schneider's tenure and will look to collect more hardware once the 2026-27 season begins in November.
Sierra Springer
Epee | Brookline, Mass. | Brookline High School | Leo Fencing Club
Before Harvard
- Member of Team United States Fencing Cadet team and Junior team
- Secured a second-place finish at the 2025 Summer Nationals with the Senior Women's Epee Team and a third-place finish with the Junior Women's Epee Team
- Earned a Silver medal with the USA Junior Women's Epee Team at the 2025 April NAC and a sixth-place finish with the Division I Women's Epee Team
- Posted third-place finishes at the 2024 and 2023 April NAC with the Division I Women's Epee Team
- Placed third at the 2023 Junior Olympics with Junior Women's Epee Team
"I'm so excited to work with the amazing coaches and community of the Harvard fencing team. I can't wait to be part of this team!"
Charmaine Andres
Saber | Rolling Hills Estates, Calif. | Palos Verdes High School | CALI Fencing
Before Harvard
- First-team USA Fencing All-American and Absolute Fencing All-Academic
- Cadet and Junior USA World Team Member in 2024 and 2026
- Cadet and Junior North American Cup Champion in 2023 and 2026
- Secured multiple top-eight finishes in North American Cups at the Cadet, Junior and Division 1 levels
- Member of the United States Fencing Cadet Team, Junior Team, and Senior Team
"I am grateful for the opportunity to join the Harvard community, where I can challenge myself academically while competing alongside the exceptional athletes of Harvard Fencing. I'm excited to grow as a student-athlete, to form lasting relationships with my teammates, and to represent Harvard with pride in every bout!"
Julie Xiao
Saber | Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada | Bayview Secondary School | Manhattan Fencing Centre / YJ Fencing Centre
Before Harvard
- A Five-time NAC champion
- Finished in the top eight at the 2024 Cadet World Championships
- Ranked No. 1 overall in the NA (U17) for the 2024 season
- Secured the Bronze medal at the 2024 Junior Pan-American Championships
"I'm incredibly excited to fence for Harvard this upcoming fall! So grateful for this opportunity and I can't wait to make lasting memories."
Jolie Korfonta
Epee | McLean, Va. | McLean High School | DC Fencers Club
Before Harvard
- A four-time USA Fencing First Team All-American in 2023, '24, '25 and '26
- USA Fencing All Academic First Team, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026
- Secured the Bronze Medal with Junior World Team in 2026
- Claimed the gold medal at the Cairo Junior World Cup in 2026
"Being a part of Harvard's fencing program is an incredible honor, and I'm excited to be an addition to its legacy of success and competitiveness."
Shaun Kim
Saber | Greenwich, Conn. | The Hackley School | Tim Morehouse Fencing Club
Before Harvard
- A member of the 2026 Junior Men's Team World Champion for the United States
- 2024 Cadet Team member
- 2023 Cadet National Champion
- Ended Cadet Season ranked first
- Has collected 19 National medals including Nationals and Junior Olympics
- Earned nine International medals including Junior Pan American Championships
"I am truly grateful for this opportunity and excited to work hard alongside my teammates on the Harvard Fencing team. I am looking forward to making the most of every moment along the way."
Stewart Lee
Epee | Houston, Texas | Stratford High School | Alliance Fencing Academy
Before Harvard
- Won the Senior Team Épée gold medal at the 2025 USA Fencing Summer Nationals
- Awarded the gold medal on the Cadet European Circuit in Finland in 2023
- Y14 National Champion and gold medalist in 2022.
- Named to the High School All-America and Academic All-America teams.
- Secured numerous top eisght finishes at North America Cups and at Cadet/Junior events
- Won the gold medal at USA Fencing Summer Nationals in 2025.
- Captured the gold medal at the European Cadet Circuit in Finland in 2023.
- Earned spots on the USFA First Team All-Academic in all four years of high school
"People see success as linear, but it's really built on the silent decisions to keep going when stopping would be easier. I am honored to chase those moments, earn them, and build something meaningful with Harvard Fencing."
