COACHES

Coach Ray Parker — Maître d’Armes (Foil, Épée, Sabre)
Coach Ray began fencing in 1983 at the University of Texas at Austin and co-founded Texas Fencing Academy in 1989 with two-time Olympian Vincent Bradford. Over the past several decades, he has worked with athletes of all ages, helping them build strong fundamentals, confidence, and long-term skill development.

Ray holds the rank of Maître d’Armes, awarded by the United States Fencing Coaches Association after earning Maître certification in Foil, Épée, and Sabre. This distinction reflects a comprehensive training background that includes study at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs with the United States Fencing Coaches College. He also served six years as Vice President of the USFCA, contributing to coaching education and standards nationwide and is currently on their Professional Development Committee.

Fencers coached by Ray have gone on to compete at established NCAA programs such as Stanford University, Columbia University, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University, Temple University, Penn State, Wesleyan University, and the United States Air Force Academy, with many earning All-American recognition.

Parents appreciate Ray’s steady, clear teaching style; his ability to support both new and competitive fencers; and his emphasis on creating a structured, welcoming environment where students can progress at a pace appropriate to their goals.

Coach Wes started fencing at Texas State University (then Southwest Texas State University) in 2000. First as a hobby then as a true sport. He started as a three weapon fencer to get as much competition in as possible. Through his time in school he ran not only the club for a time, he also was the chair of the Texas inter-collegiate league (SWIFA). After an 8 year hiatus after college he returned first to competition and then became certified as a coach. He currently coaches many regional and national level fencers in both epee and saber.

Coach Michael Maguire began his coaching career in 1976 and since has coached National foil and épée in England, before coming to the USA in 2000.  Michael is considered a true Master fencer since he has mastered all three fencing weapons.

Coach Santiago Calderon is our resident mental strength and fitness coach. Since starting with fencing 4 years ago, he has had a great impact on our fencers. Santiago is a lifelong athlete, and considers himself “professionally obsessed with sports”. He has a Master’s degree in sport and exercise psychology and is also a certified personal trainer.

With his experience in sport psychology, injury rehabilitation and fitness, he provides a holistic approach to training. He is the founder and owner of Camuwave Performance in Austin.  www.camuwave.com