In an email sent on Sept. 11 of this year to the Brandeis community, Brandeis Athletics announced changes to its fencing coaching staff. One of the coaches mentioned in the email was Matthew Zich. With a strong focus on sabre, Zich is entering his seventh year at Brandeis having started in January of 2019. In the upcoming 2025-26 season, Zich will continue his work on the Brandeis fencing team as a full time assistant fencing coach. This is the first time someone has been named a full time assistant fencing coach at Brandeis. 

Zich expressed a passion for fencing, both on a personal level and as a coach. In a correspondence with The Justice on Sept. 25, Zich said, “fencing has been a major part of my life for many years. Starting early, training under notable coaches gave me both deep technical foundations and exposure to what the sport can offer in terms of discipline, strategy, [and] personal growth.” 

Prior to his arrival at Brandeis, Zich’s fencing accomplishments convey how fencing has played a significant role in his life. Zich has also been nationally ranked and has competed internationally. From 2003 to 2009, Zich played on the U.S. National Fencing Team and competed at World Championships abroad, including Korea, Italy, France and Austria. 

As a Cadet, Zich was the top ranked sabre fencer in America as a junior. He was also ranked within the top five on a national level, also as a junior. Zich competed at a high level and was trained with a number of accomplished sabre coaches. He also worked with Yury German — who joined the US Fencing Hall of Fame in 2010; Emmanuel Kaidanov, who was a candidate for the U.S.S.R. National team in sabre; and Zoran Tulum, who coached the Olympic National Team. 

While competing was a significant part of his life, Zich explains that “over the years, that passion has transformed into coaching: helping others develop, seeing their progress, guiding them through the ups and downs. That shift from competing to helping others is something I’ve loved.” 

As a coach, Zich has found great success as well. In the past, he coached at New Amsterdam Fencing Academy and Nyack Fencing Club in New York, among other places. However, Zich revealed to The Justice what specifically brought him to Brandeis was “the opportunity to be part of a program with strong values, where you can develop student athletes both on the strip and off. Over time, I’ve seen things grow substantially.” 

At Brandeis, Zich has had a significant impact on the fencing team’s success. Over the course of his coaching career, Zich has earned Division III Assistant Coach of the Year. Additionally, in 2023 and 2024, the United States Fencing Coaches Association named Zich the National Collegiate Assistant Coach of the Year. 

Zich reflects back on his accomplishments as a fencing coach. He said, “I’ve had some fantastic moments as a coach, perhaps the moment I look at as my greatest coaching accomplishment is helping produce Brandeis’s first ever fencing national champion (graduate student Maggie Shealy in 2024) in sabre.”  

While awards and accolades are important to Zich, he also emphasized the importance of team culture. He said, “I believe a strong, supportive, growth[-]oriented culture is as important as talent. Fostering that among the team is something I care deeply about.” 

Zich has also played a large role in creating a positive team culture. In a Sept. 26 email exchange with The Justice, one of Zich’s students, Michael Yerokhin ’26, talked about the meaningful impact Zich has had on the team both in competition and not, “just as importantly, his approachable nature and genuine personality create an environment where fencers feel supported and inspired. Coach Matt’s influence extends far beyond the strip, as his athletes carry his energy and character with them in all aspects of their lives. We are deeply grateful for his lasting contributions and commitment to our team!”

Zich also talked about what he likes best about coaching at Brandeis. He explained, “Working with dedicated student[-]athletes who care not just about wins, but also about improvement, work ethic, balance, and academics. The Brandeis environment supports that. The chance to be part of a professional staff that values collaboration, learning, and development.” 

As he transitions into this new full time position, Zich is most excited about having the opportunity “to plan long term development: building systems, recruiting, training regimens that extend over years, not just seasons.”

With his new position, Zich will continue to be able to bring his dedication, expertise and passion to the Brandeis fencing team. I wish the team the best with their upcoming season and training.