When the varsity fencing team lined up for its first bout of the season, several masked faces were unfamiliar–not to fencing, but to the school. This year, the team welcomed multiple transfer students adjusting not only to a new competitive environment, but also to new teammates, coaches and school culture.
For sophomore Nikhil Agrawal, stepping onto The Masters School’s piste nearly 3,000 miles from his California home felt transformative.
Agrawal’s mother, Reena Agrawal, said the move was exciting and nerve-racking for their family. “It was a really hard decision to move Niki in the middle of high school,” she said. “But right when we saw Masters, Niki really liked it, and we felt very hopeful that he would be happy and make friends there.”
With six years of fencing experience, Agrawal discovered that team fencing brought new dynamics that deepened his appreciation for the sport.
“I learned that I like team sports more than I thought,” Agrawal said. “National tournaments were all individual, so this was a change when coming here, and those are definitely tighter moments between my teammates and me.”
Head fencing coach Shomari Moore, a Masters alumni, helps transfer athletes adjust.
“The first thing when approaching a transfer student is to get them used to the team culture,” Moore said.
Agrawal quickly found that culture welcoming. “For tryouts, everyone fenced with each other, which was really fun because I met everyone quickly. Everyone on the team is nice and many have become my really good friends,” Agrawal said.
Moore praised Agrawal’s transition. “It was easy for him to adjust to fencing here,” Moore said. “He’s gotten along with his teammates well and he’s very easy to work with.”
Agrawal’s previous public school lacked fencing teams, so he fenced individually at a club that’s only foil, three times a week. Masters’ five-times-weekly practice schedule was significant. “Most of my friends at school are on the fencing team because I stay at school later with the team. It’s fun having practice so often,” he said.
Reena said fencing helped him find belonging. “Its a different feeling to represent your school,” she said. “It’s a fast way of making tons of friends, which was really good for him.”
Agrawal has since secured the number two spot in the private school fencing league and positioned himself for an undefeated first season at Masters.
His rapid success has made his parents proud. “His dad and I thought he would do well, but he’s completely exceeded our expectations. We’re so happy that he’s happy and that he’s so involved in the school,” Reena said.
Moore credits both Agrawal’s talent and growth.
“As far as growth, he’s been quickly understanding how to become a leader. Just for anyone looking, he’s number two in the league. Obviously as coaches, we love to take credit, but you don’t make stars overnight. He came in trained and ready.”
Agrawal’s parents have also seen him grow. “ I’ve seen him take on the role of coaching other kids, giving them pointers and cheering on his teammates,” Reena said. He’s really taking advantage of what Masters offers, ” Reena said.
Reflecting on his journey, Agrawal said, “I would tell my first-day self that it’s going to be a lot of fun and I’m happy that I’m here.”
