USA Fencing to Create Dedicated National Performance Center and Academy

USA Fencing has partnered with Masters Academy International to create the country’s first dedicated national performance center and national academy for fencing in Massachusetts.

The complex will become the official home of the U.S. National Training Center for fencing and will make USA Fencing the first national governing body to unveil an academy model and have their National Performance Center in Massachusetts.

“Our partnership with MAI is a game-changer for our athletes, our membership and the sport of fencing,” said Phil Andrews, chief executive officer of USA Fencing. “We’re taking the proven blueprint of sports and academic academies and are applying it to fencing, ensuring that today’s youth fencers — wherever they train — can see a clear pathway to collegiate and international success while establishing a year-round presence in a state that is a heartland of our sport.”

The partnership will be part of a $56 million redevelopment project with MAI — a boarding school/sports institute — and the town of Stow, that will result in a multi–use sports and education complex for young athletes across fencing and 10 other sports.

USA Fencing’s National Performance Center and Academy is expected to open in fall 2026. With clinics, camps and national team activities, the complex will be tailored for fencing, complete with high ceilings and expansive fencing halls, recovery suites, sport-science labs, weight training centers, outdoor fields and on–site dorms.

“Bringing the Olympic & Paralympic sport of fencing to Stow, as part of this new powerhouse sports academy, will result in numerous exciting economic development opportunities for the town and the region,” said Massachusetts State Rep. Kate Hogan.

In addition to fencing, the complex will feature baseball, basketball, esports, equestrian riding, figure skating, golf, hockey, soccer, lacrosse and softball and will involve more than 600 students in grades 6–12, plus post–graduates. MAI will renovate a 312,000-square-foot building into learning hubs and student housing, a dining room with a commercial kitchen and a facility for sports and performance training.

“Masters Academy International, the town of Stow and the state of Massachusetts are honored to be the home of US Fencing,” said Richard Odell, chief executive officer of MIA. “Our four–pillar model including college preparatory academics, athletic specializations, life skill development and career preparation including internship experiences will be second to none.”