ROAR MAGAZINE REWIND (From Winter 2019)
Zara Moss, Fencing
The following ran in the 2019 Winter ROAR Magazine as a Q&A! While the answers may be from a few months back, these glimpses of Lion student-athletes still resonate as Penn State continues to come together to maintain the bonds that makes Penn State great! #weare!
How did you get involved in fencing growing up?
When I was in first grade there was a demonstration in gym class. I liked it because I was the kid who would do unique things. All of the other kids were getting into soccer or volleyball, but I thought this is so cool. I don't know a whole lot of other kids who are doing this.
What was the process of choosing to attend Penn State?
My mom went to Penn State and so did my grandma and almost all my cousins. I've loved Penn State my whole life. I wanted to go here even before getting into fencing. When I got good at fencing, I was approached by Ivy League schools, but I just still really loved Penn State. Once I was accepted into Schreyer Honors College, it was really a perfect storm and a dream come true.
You were homeschooled before arriving at Penn State. Did that make the adjustment to college challenging, or were you more suited to adapt easily?
I actually think it helped my adjustment a lot. I travelled to four different countries during the 2017 fall semester, so I had to work with professors a lot turning in work online. Being homeschooled, I'm used to learning time management and being self-motivated. I know some people struggle with getting work done on the road and manage their time properly, but I was already pretty competent with that from my high school years.
What was it like competing in the NCAAs for the first time and making the championship bout?
There were so many emotions — overwhelming, amazing. You know that's what you're working for and didn't know what to expect and then experiencing it, it made me feel so much more confident. I want the gold. It's OK getting second place, but I saw that as my learning experience.
You compete with the saber. What is unique about that weapon and separates it from the others?
Saber is definitely the fastest weapon. In foil and epee, there's a lot more time to think between touches. I once had a match where it was just five touches in 27 seconds. It's extraordinarily fast, so that means you have to spend a lot of time preparing beforehand and have strong instincts.
What are your goals for the future in fencing, as far as the Olympics and national events?
I'm definitely going to try to make the Olympics. I'm definitely shooting for 2024. I also obviously want to win individual and team championships for Penn State.
