Celebrating Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month, we are proud to recognize that many of the USA’s top Black fencers found their start at Fencers Club, and we are proud that The Peter Westbrook Foundation was founded at FC and continues to call it home.

Not only are these fencers champions on the national and international levels, but they are role models and leaders who continue to help shape the next generation of great fencers every day. 

Please join us in recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of these three exceptional fencers.

Sharon Monplaisir 

is one of our country’s illustrious fencers and one of the FC’s greats. Sharon was a U.S. national champion in 1988, and an NCAA All-America selection in 1983, 1985, 1986, and 1987, as well as NIWFA Champion in 1983 and 1985. In her career as an athlete, Sharon was also a three-time Olympian, representing the United States in Fencing at the 1984 games in Los Angeles, California, 1988 games in Seoul, Korea, and in the 1992 games in Barcelona, Spain. Sharon was also a member of the U.S. World Team for seven years, from 1985 to 1992. She also was a member of the Pan American teams that won the gold medal in 1987 and 1991, and a member of the World University Team in 1983 and 1987.

Yeisser Ramirez 

identifies as “the Black Zorro”. Yeisser came to the U.S. in 2007 from Cuba. In 2012 and 2013 Yeisser was 2nd and 3rd in the US National Championships respectively. Then, in 2021 Yeisser qualified for the US Olympic team finishing 30th at the Tokyo Games. Most recently Yeisser finished 3rd at 2024 Epee Grand Prix in Doha his best international result. Yeisser has placed himself in top contention for the 2024 Olympic Games. Yeisser fences for both the Peter Westbrook Foundation and the Fencers Club, and is sponsored by Radical Fencing.

Donovan Holtz

began fencing at the age of 10. He very quickly developed into a top fencer. Recruited by Rutgers University Donovan in 2002 became a collegiate All-American, and continued to become a top national and international fencer. Donovan was a member of the 2002 and 2009 U.S. National Championship Epee teams. Donovan is presently head fencing coach for Montclair HS which recently placed first in Boys Team Epee at the NJIAA District Championships, volunteer coach with the Westbrook Foundation, and the head armorer at Radical Fencing. Donovan also coached the NJIT fencing team for four seasons. Donovan has been the Fencers Club Foundations for Excellence Head Mentor. Donovan studied engineering at Rutgers University and NJIT. 

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