Support coach Maggie in her voyage as she trains to qualify for the 2028 LA Olympics! For athletes like Maggie, when the Paris Olympics are over, that means training for the LA Olympics has already begun! Please read Maggie's letter about her journey and consider donating to her GoFundMe to help make her dream a reality!
To the parents, athletes, and members of Boston Fencing Club,
My name is Maggie Shealy, and I am the Youth Competitive Assistant Coach here at BFC, a graduate assistant coach at Brandeis University and an international competitor with USA Fencing. This past year, I was honored to represent the United States and BFC in Algeria, France, Tunisia, and Bulgaria. Recently, I concluded my NCAA collegiate career as the 2024 National Women’s Saber Champion. At the 2024 National Championships, I won an individual bronze and team silver.
I am seeking support to continue my athletic journey in the upcoming years, with the goal of joining the Senior National Team at the LA Olympics in 2028. Currently, I am in the top 12 as an individual and 11th in U.S. team points. My goal as an athlete is to push into the top four nationally and climb the world rankings. I firmly believe that with support, I can do it, especially if I can focus on my training. In addition to my jobs at BFC and with the Brandeis fencing team, I work an internship in the Boston Schools and am employed part-time in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at Brandeis while I attend grad school with the help of student loans.
I am asking for your financial support so that I can continue to travel to international events and so that I can bring Coach Matt Zich to World Cups and Grand Prix to provide the coaching and mentoring essential to elevate my performance. Coach Matt, who was recently named USFCA Coach of the Year, has been crucial in my development and success as an athlete, and I am so fortunate and grateful to have him as a mentor. David Sach has been generous with his support, offering employment and time and funds for training and travel.
My biggest supporter is my mother. She is my number one fan and has always been incredibly supportive of my athletic journey. She has supported me by working a full-time job, taking on contract work and renting rooms in our home via Airbnb and Furnished Finder. Her support and my jobs and loans have covered my school, training, and travel thus far. However, the number of upcoming international and national tournaments and the expenses related to that travel are growing and have prompted us to seek sponsorship and support.
With the help of my BFC friends, family, and community, I will be able to make training my main focus, practice and perform like a professional athlete, and contribute more time to the club. I am reaching out to this community because four years ago when I arrived as a college freshman, I had little idea of the journey, joy, and exponential progress that this club would bring. I look forward to proudly representing you all in my future competitions and appreciate the support!
Thank you for believing in me and allowing for my athletic journey to continue. 🤺 Maggie
You can donate to Maggie's GoFundMe here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/from-pirate-schemes-to-olympic-dreams-support-maggies-voya
Comments