Cleveland, OH-Jennifer Oldham, an accomplished coach with over twenty years of experience at the university and club level, has been named Cleveland State's next head fencing coach. She is just the second-ever full-time coach in the history of the program and begins her duties on January 16, 2024. Oldham comes to Cleveland following a successful tenure in North Carolina, where she led and managed Forge Fencing Teams, Inc.
"We are so excited to welcome Jennifer Oldham to Cleveland State University as our next men's and women's fencing head coach," said Deputy Athletic Director Kelsie Gory Harkey. "Throughout the search process, her knowledge and experience developing high caliber student-athletes stood out above the rest. Her strong vision for sustaining personal development and success for our program made her an ideal candidate for this position. I am confident in her ability to reach new success as the leader of our men's and women's fencing team."
Oldham fenced collegiately at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a monogram award. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology and women's studies and had a decorated career as student-athlete. She was nationally ranked in Women's Saber and won a bronze medal in the 2000 World Cup as part of the United States Women's Saber team. She also won a team national championship in Women's Saber in 2000. She went on to earn a master's degree in counseling psychology from Lewis and Clark College.
"I am thrilled to return to my roots in collegiate fencing as a head coach," said Oldham. "This is a special time in a fencer's career, and it is a double honor to be working with a team, and in a city, with powerful growth energy manifesting. I look forward to growing with the student-athletes. Go Vikes!"
Oldham began her professional career as a volunteer coach for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte from 1996-98. Following her time there, she went on to the Oregon Fencing Alliance, where she was an assistant coach and competed as a national team member from 1998-2004. She served as a volunteer coach at her alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 2006-07.
Most recently, Oldham has served as the founder, owner and head coach of Forge Fencing Teams, Inc., formerly Mid-South Fencers Club. In addition, she has held many roles in coaching and mentoring with USA Fencing. Throughout her time with the club she has coached and mentored over one hundred national and seven international medal winners. She has coached numerous NCAA Championship qualifiers, including a silver medalist in 2021.
Her club is currently ranked among the top 40 clubs in the country in saber. The club received a USA Fencing Club of Distinction award in Women's Programming and Diversity in 2018.
In her role at Cleveland State, Oldham will oversee all aspects of the Vikings' fencing program, serving as the head coach for both the men's and women's teams.
What they are saying about Jennifer Oldham
"There have been few figures in the sport of Fencing who have been as steadfastly devoted to promoting social justice and gender equity quite like Jen Oldham. Jen has built a pristine reputation not only through her stellar coaching, but by always challenging herself and others to take coalition-based approaches to make our sport safer, healthier, and more empowering for all. Jen's leadership across USA Fencing has been transformative in every facet of the organization she's touched, and I have no doubt she will be able to take the Cleveland State Fencing team to new heights and make an immediate impact."
Damien Lehfeldt, At-Large Director, USA Fencing
"WFencing is excited about the appointment of Jen Oldham as Head Fencing Coach with Cleveland State University (CSU). Jen's knowledge, expertise, and commitment to building an inclusive fencing environment have made her stand out among her peers, domestically and internationally. She has been instrumental in creating a community where every fencer feels valued and has the opportunity to grow and excel. WFencing has benefited from Jen's vision, passion, progressive thinking, and advocacy. There is no doubt that Jen will have an immediate and powerful impact on CSU athletics, campus, and community."
Vickie Miller, President, WFencing
"In my time working with Jen, she has shown a passion for the sport of fencing, promoting the sport, working to create access and opportunities, and supporting championship events like the 2023 NCAA Fencing Championship held in Durham. Jen will be a great asset to the Cleveland State University and Cleveland communities."
Marcus Manning, Executive Director, Durham Sports Commission
"Jen is a dedicated and determined individual. She translates her passion for our sport into impactful action championing equitable access, experience and support for all athletes. She is extremely team culture driven. This focus along with her experience as a coach, athlete, referee and club owner will serve to elevate the Cleveland State fencing program. I look forward to meeting with her on the strip!"
Jennifer Salmon, Head Fencing Coach, Temple University
