Sports

Garwood Fencer Chosen For U.S. National Team

At just 15 years old Lola Possick will compete at the U-17 World Championships in Cairo, Egypt.

4x U.S. National Champion, 15-year-old Lola Possick
4x U.S. National Champion, 15-year-old Lola Possick (Courtesy of Taylor Ballantyne for Sports Illustrated Kids)

GARWOOD, NJ — At just 15 years old Lola Possick, who attends Garwood's Advance Fencing & Fitness Academy (AFFA) is already breaking barriers.

Recently, she was selected to the U-17 U.S. National Team (Women’s Saber) and on April 4 she will compete at the U-17 World Championships in Cairo, Egypt.

Prior to the COVID-19 shutdown, Possick, a four-time U.S. National Champion, won the U-17 World Cup in Moedling, Austria, and took home a gold medal with Team USA in Godollo, Hungary, along with AFFA clubmate Jadeyn Williams.

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Possick is also a USA Fencing All Academic and American First Team fencer who currently ranks number one in the world in U-17.

"I'm really excited to return to fencing on an international level, especially since this is my first world championship," said Possick who attends Kent Place School in Summit. "It is a true honor to have this opportunity to represent Team USA. I look forward to competing."

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Possick is coached by AFFA founder Aleks Ochocki, a Clark native, who is a multiple-time National
Champion and former U.S. National Team Member who also works with the U.S. Olympic Team.

AFFA's athletes have earned spots on six U.S. National Teams since 2016 and have won silver and
bronze medals at the World Championships.

Founded in 2013, Advance Fencing & Fitness Academy delivers world-class, personalized training to empower and create opportunities for all ages and skill levels. For additional information about AFFA, its classes or how to get started in fencing, please visit affafencing.com or call 908-290-5055.

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