Meet The Team

  • Head Coach David Ramirez

    David Ramirez has been ranked in all three weapons however, he specializes in foil. Coach David has represented USA Fencing on the world stage, Competing in FIE World Cups in the Men’s Junior and Men’s Senior Divisions ranking in the top 32 in the world. He was also Captain of his team where he led them to the USA National Finals earning a USA National Silver Medal. He also lived 4 years in Ukraine and spent time at the prestigious SK KVO in Kyiv, Ukraine. While in Ukraine he also worked and coached with members of the national team. He was hand selected for coaching by the distinguished late Coach Volodymyr Yefimov.

  • Director and Coach Renata Shakirova

    Renata Shakirova specializes in foil and leads the fundamentals class. Renata graduated with a scholarship from Lviv Polytechnic University in Ukraine where she earned her Masters in Chemical Engineering.

  • Parental Advisor Committee Brandon Light

    Brandon Light is an experienced business leader with a background in operations, management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Throughout his career, he has led teams, developed business processes, and helped organizations grow and adapt to changing needs. He has also helped develop and implement training programs for organizations in both the private and public sectors. His work and expertise have been recognized by industry peers, including being named to a national industry publication's list of recognized experts. Brandon is passionate about supporting families, building strong communities, and helping create opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and succeed.

  • Local University Outreach

    Diana Rojas is an assistant professor of sound art at the University of Texas at Dallas. She is the recipient of several OER Grants from the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the 2023 Arch and Anne Giles Kimbrough Fund Award, 2022 Judson-Morrisey Excellence in New Media Award and the Arrowmont Windgate University Fellowship. She is also an interdisciplinary artist and has been exhibited, screened, and published nationally and internationally in spaces such as: Czong Institute of Contemporary Art, Fiesp Cultural Center, Dallas Contemporary, Chapel of Santa Maria dei Carcarati, Canyon Flats Video Wall, Rockport Center for the Arts, Texas Theater, the Yale Theater, and more. Diana received her MFA from the University of North Texas and was previously an assistant professor at East Central University.

  • Foil Conditioning Coach

    Pranav Shibu specializes in conditioning and performance development for foil fencers. He competed in the NCAA representing Johns Hopkins University, maintaining a net winning record, and brings over 12 years of fencing experience to his coaching. Pranav is a recent graduate of JHU, where he earned a degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology with a focus in Public Health Studies.

    With a strong foundation in performance optimization, Pranav integrates evidence-based training principles into fencing-specific conditioning. He is currently working at UT Southwestern Medical Center and coaches in his free time, bridging clinical science with athletic performance.

  • Coming Soon