After a long, stressful day of school, freshman Cara Auerbach swiftly grabs her blade and puts her protective gear on as she prepares to fight.  Leaving her worries behind, Auerbach channels her energy into the fencing tournament, battling her opponent until she wins the match.

While most six-year-old children are learning how to spell correctly and do simple math problems, Auerbach developed a new, unique skill: fencing.  In first grade, Auerbach participated in a fencing clinic at Juan Bautista de Anza Park in Calabasas where she developed a strong attachment to the unconventional sport.  Her dad, a former fencer and Auerbach’s athletic inspiration, encouraged her to fence and grow as an athlete.

“When my dad exposed me to fencing, I instantly fell in love [with the sport],” said Auerbach.  “He has helped me understand that I have to practice and compete in order to get better, but he has also shown me a stronger side of myself that I would have never realized had it not been for fencing.”

Auerbach fences competitively and takes classes three times a week at Los Angeles International Fencing Center in Santa Monica in preparation for both local and national tournaments.  LAIFC’s intense fencing program has a high success rate of students who represent the United States in the Olympics. Auerbach hopes to change people’s perception of fencing and help others gain insight into the difficult sport.

“[Fencing] is a very mental sport,” said Auerbach.  “Its more than simply hitting someone. I have to think about my opponent’s next move, and I have to be on my feet at all times.”

According to Auerbach, she is now a stronger and more courageous person who can tackle any battle.  Every lesson Auerbach has learned from fencing she has applied to all other aspects of her life, helping her become a better individual.

“Fencing has taught me to motivate myself, try my hardest and be devoted to something,” said Auerbach.  “The feeling I get when I accomplish something or improve is great.”

With an upcoming competition in the Junior Olympic Qualifiers and the National American Cup, Auerbach is practicing vigorously in the hope of obtaining an award or metal to add to her already substantial collection.  Auerbach wants fencing to always remain a part of her life and plans to someday pass it down to her children just as her father did to her.