Fencing, the swordfighting sport often called “physical chess,” demands a great deal of focus, discipline and balance from competitors. For student athletes, these skills take on a whole new set of meanings, as they juggle their obligations on the field with those in the classroom. Just ask Renee Oymann, senior economics major and key member of the Temple University women’s fencing team. 

Oymann picked up her first foil at a young age in her hometown of Moers, Germany, and fell in love quickly. It’s safe to say she had a knack for it because a few short years later, she had earned a spot on the German national team. Eventually, when it came time to make a decision about higher education, Oymann knew she wanted to come to the United States—the American collegiate sports system would best allow her to pursue a college degree while still competing at a high level.

Several factors drew Oymann to Temple and its fencing program. For one, it is among the top women’s fencing programs in the country (ranked 8th in the country last season). Another was then-head coach Nikki Franke. Franke, an Olympian and the first Black woman to coach an NCAA fencing team, is a legend in the sport and had coached the team since its inception in 1972.

“The Temple fencing team has a very longstanding tradition,” explains Oymann. “[Franke] actually retired the year that I committed, but she and I had a lot of talks, and that helped very much to convince me to come.”

She found she welcomed the ways competing for a college differed from her experience competing internationally.

“For my entire career, I’ve felt like I’m competing in an individual sport,” explains Oymann. “Fencing for Temple means traveling with 18 other people and going and fencing for our university with the support of each of them behind you at all times.”

That support system has meant a lot to Oymann, dating back to her first days at Temple. She had never set foot in the US before arriving in North Philadelphia to begin practicing with the team. It was certainly an adjustment, but one made easier by the camaraderie she felt.

“I couldn’t really imagine it here at all, especially Temple. There’s so much diversity. I saw so many things I’d never seen before, and it was just overwhelming in the best way,” recalls Oymann. “But coming into a team environment was such a huge help. There’s a group of girls your age who are going through the same thing you’re going through, so I think it was easier for me to get acclimated here than it would be for other people, and I’m very grateful for that.” 

It is no surprise that Oymann settled into a leadership position on the fencing team, but she has evidently carried the same drive, ambition and determination she exhibits on the fencing strip into her academic work. 

“I first met Renee in Spring 2023 when she took my Principles of Microeconomics course, and she quickly distinguished herself as an exceptional student,” recalls Associate Professor of Economics Shreyasee Das. “What made her truly remarkable was how she balanced everything—even traveling to international fencing competitions during the semester, she never missed a single assignment and consistently produced excellent work.”

Not one to rest on her laurels, Oymann, who minors in psychology, also finds time to work as a research assistant in a neuroscience lab. In 2025, she began working as a Student Peer Instructor, teaching courses in macroeconomics.

“Students sought her out during office hours because she has a real gift for making complex concepts accessible,” adds Das, “She’s become a real leader in our economics department.” 

“There’s a certain standard I have for myself; I might get it from my parents,” Says Oymann about her tireless work ethic. “There’s a certain standard I have for myself, and it doesn’t work out every time, of course, but when I get the feeling I could be doing more, I have to do more.”

Looking to the future, Oymann knows she wants to attend grad school, but the finer details—down to which continent she intends to study in—are still up in the air. Wherever she ends up, she does know she will find a way to remain involved in fencing: “I would never give up the sport for anything.”

The Temple Women’s Fencing Team will have their first dual meet of the season November 22 at Boston College. Follow the team at their website.