CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland State University head fencing coach Andy Tulleners announced that three student-athletes have committed to continue their careers with the Vikings. 

Gabriella Hirsch and Maeve Kozak both signed National Letters of Intent (NLI's) to join the women's team while Harry Hardman has also committed to join the men's team. All three will join the program for the 2019-2020 season. 

"Gabi and Maeve will both be adding critical strength and depth to our women's squad," Tulleners said. "Gabi will be filling out the women's foil squad while Maeve will bring in great strength into our women's epee squad for next season. Harry is bringing in a great work ethic and focus to the men's foil squad that just took second place at the 2019 Midwest Conference Championships." 

Gabriella Hirsch
Hometown: Huntington Woods, Mich.
Fencing Club: Renaissance Fencing Club
Coaches: Anatolie Senic, Ann Marsh Senic and Tony Kosla
Major: Undecided



Best Fencing Moment:
Placing 32 at the December NAC in Cincinnati, Ohio and earning my E18.

What you're looking forward to at CSU:
I am really looking forward to fencing with the team and getting to know everyone. I also can't wait to explore the area. 

Why CSU?
I love the campus, have some friends that attend CSU and they have so many resources and extra help if I need it (lots of academic support). 

Other Hobbies/Achievements:
This past summer I participated in the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp International program for choir, where I traveled around France, Germany, Italy and Belgium, performing for multiple communities in those countries. 

Maeve Kozak
Hometown: The Woodlands, Texas
Fencing Club: Alliance Fencing Academy 
Coach: Andrey Geva
Major: Environmental Science



Best Fencing Moment:
Seventh place at the October 2018 NAC in division 1 A women's epee 

What you're looking forward to at CSU:
I am looking forward to being on a great team filled with such intelligent and compassionate people as well as exploring Cleveland and seeing all that it has to offer!  

Why CSU?
I was very impressed by all that the environmental science program has to offer as far as opportunities for internships as well as preparing me for my goal of becoming an environmental lawyer. Also, can we talk about those amazing dorms?! 

Other Hobbies/Achievements:
I have been very involved in some of the programs that my high school has to offer such as our theater department where I stage manage and direct shows, as well as our German program where I serve as the Vice President of our German NHS. I am also playing on the TWHS water polo team as a fun way to wrap up my senior year. I enjoy teaching swim lessons over the summer at the local swimming pools and volunteering at our church on the weekends. In my spare time, I love to read and have fun with friends and family. 

Harry Hardman
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pa. 
Fencing Club: Pittsburgh Fencers' Club
Coach: Iana Dakova
Major: Economics

Best Fencing Moment:
Carnegie Mellon University hosts an annual team competition called the Holy Grail. At the 2018 Holy Grail, my team was fencing in the final against a very talented team from another strong club in Pittsburgh. The entire match was very close and tense. During one of my bouts about halfway through the final, I managed to score a really fun trick shot behind my back.  This touch made everyone laugh and helped alleviate the tension of a stressful final in which our team eventually prevailed. 

What you're looking forward to at CSU:
I look forward to increasing my knowledge in my decided area of study as well as fencing with some very talented individuals. 

Why CSU:
I chose to attend CSU because I strongly believe that I will be able to fence well under the tutelage of the head coach and that I am compatible with the current members of the team.  The internationally accredited Monte Ahuja College of Business will thoroughly prepare me for the many internship opportunities available in the Cleveland area.  

Other Hobbies/Achievements:
Playing piano (self-taught)
Founder, captain and assistant coach of the Aquinas Academy high school fencing team
USA Fencing High School All-American Second Team (2016-2017, 2017-2018)
USA Fencing All-Academic First Team (2016-2017, 2017-2018)