Belgium native Axelle Wasiak was the worst English speaker in her high school classes, "We had to take English from ages 13-18, like two hours every week. They all teased me because of course I was the one who ended up going to school in America."
Wasiak had never even visited the United States before enrolling at Penn State.
She started fencing at the age of six as a new club had opened up right near her childhood home. Like most kids, she did all the sports, including BMX and gymnastics, and gradually outgrew most as time went on. Except fencing.
As a member of the national team from ages 14-20, she posted impressive scores while representing Belgium and competing in women's epee at various world cups and European circuits during that span.
With Belgium being a relatively small country with sparse fencing competition, along with Wasiak's infatuation with America's way of combining school and sports in colleges and universities, she took immediate advantage of her scholarship offer to fence and study at Penn State, "I knew I had to combine both my passions, school and fencing" Wasiak said.
Looking back on her high school days, she added "School was always very important to me. I would always finish my homework before going to fencing practice." She has always taken her studies seriously, continuing to prioritize her education even now as she has chosen to utilize her fifth year of eligibility granted to her by the NCAA.
Last year, as a fourth-year student and in addition to her regular course load and fencing schedule, Wasiak spent extensive time volunteering at the biomechanics lab on campus. After eventually receiving her bachelor's degree in Kinesiology (Movement Science), she decided to attend graduate school here as well in order to work towards a master's degree in Kinesiology (Biomechanics). This is a 3-semester research degree in which she has so far spent researching the force properties of the calf muscles. Moreover, Wasiak received a full-time graduate assistantship for her master's degree, so she is currently teaching an undergraduate biomechanics class while training and competing for her last chance to qualify for NCAA's.
When asked if she has any advice for other international fencers wanting to come compete and study in the United States, Wasiak replied, "I took all of the opportunities that were given to me, not just in fencing, but also in school. Fencing is important and fun, but try to prioritize school.
My freshman year I was really homesick, and I'm still home sick from time to time. At first, I didn't see myself staying in the US. I wanted to go back to Belgium after my studies. But now I'm just so used to the life here."
Upon completing her graduate assistantship and receiving her master's degree in Kinesiology, Wasiak plans to utilize her student visa, which allows her to stay and work full-time in America for one year.
