Search
Hilltopper Chat with Sydney Hirsch '19
Question: What’s your name and grade?
Answer: Sydney Hirsch, class of 2019.
Q: What team(s) do you play for?
A: There are no teams in fencing, however, I fence at Tim Morehouse Fencing Club, with locations in Westchester and Manhattan. On weekdays I fence at the Manhattan club, but sometimes on weekends I go to the Westchester location. I also fence for Hopkins.
Q: What is your position / role on the team?
A: In fencing, there are three weapons: foil, epee, and sabre. I fence sabre.
Q: When did you first start fencing? Why were you drawn to the sport?
A: I started taking fencing seriously when I was 12; my Mom’s best friend had a kid who had recently gotten into fencing, so I decided to give it a try.
Q: What does it mean to play for Hopkins?
A: This may sound very cliche, but being a part of any team is important for the support it offers. Fencing is an individualized sport, but at Hopkins the support of a team is always helpful.
Q: Do you have any team or individual goals for the rest of this season?
A: For Hopkins, it would be great if we could win at States again, and for Tim Morehouse, the same at Nationals.
A: For Hopkins, it would be great if we could win at States again, and for Tim Morehouse, the same at Nationals.
Q: What is something that most of Hopkins doesn’t know about you?
A: I don’t think anyone realizes how much work goes into fencing - every weekday I have to drive 4+ hours just to practice. This means that I have to use my free periods efficiently.
Q: And from of all of this dedication, time, and hard work, do you have a specific goal or something that you are working to individually?
A: Many mistakenly think that I am working towards the Olympics - but not necessarily. Every day I work to get just a little better from that day.
Q: Do you have a professional athlete that you look up to? Why?
A: I have always looked up to my coach at Tim Morehouse. He is a 3 time Olympian as well as having a very similar story in fencing to me. We both started later in our life than most fencers (11 or 12) and I also admire his work ethic. In fact, he also started a program called “Fencing in the Schools” (linked here) which allows students to unlock their potential through fencing.
Q: What is your gameday meal?
A: On gamedays, you always want to maintain a balance between complex carbs and protein. So for instance, the morning of a match I might eat steak and eggs with some toast to maintain the carb-protein balance.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 30 years?
A: Hopefully in a lab, working as a chemist. I would also like to fence recreationally when I am older, though.
Q: What one word best describes you?
A: Hard-working.
Q: I understand that you participated in the Junior Olympics recently. Can you describe your experience there?
A: So I have been to the Junior Olympics three times for fencing, The first two times I competed, but never was in the running to win. But, this year was different. I really wanted to win, and came in second. This meant a lot to me as it showed my progress in the sport and the results of my efforts.
Q: I imagine that this must have been a decent time commitment. How did this fit in with school and all?
A: So I left Thursday from school and was there Friday all the way until Sunday. I got back very early Monday morning and took a sick day Monday. By Tuesday, everything was back to normal.
Q: Is there a certain mental approach to fencing that separates the good and the great?
A: Yeah, there is. To me, I always try to focus on the idea that the result does not matter as much as taking risks, fighting hard, and a win is not always necessary to get better.
Q: What makes fencing at Hopkins so special?
A: Well, since there are no tryouts, everyone learns together. That makes for no competition. Overall, fencing at HOP is a very together-oriented, supportive team.
-
-
Voted #1
Best Day School
in CT, 2024
-
Hopkins is a private middle school and high school for grades 7-12. Located on a campus overlooking New Haven, CT, the School takes pride in its intellectually curious students as well as its dedicated faculty and staff.
