Salem Academy Wins State Team Fencing Championship

Winston-Salem, N.C. — Salem Academy’s foil team–Vanity McIlwain ’29, Grace McPhail ’26, and Erica Heuser ’29–claimed first place at the North Carolina Fencing League State Team Championships on Saturday, February 7, 2026, earning the state championship title after a dominant performance against teams from six other North Carolina schools.

The championship trio demonstrated poise and strategy, delivering focused performances throughout the day. Their hard work and determination earned Salem Academy the state title.

Salem Academy was also represented in the épée division by Teagan Hughes ’29, Jolie Steele ’29, Lovie Valdivia-Tucker ’26, and Hanna Yang ’26. Competing against strong programs from across the state, the épée squad demonstrated resilience and teamwork at the meet.

“We are incredibly proud of our Salem Academy Sabers for their dedication and hard work throughout the season,” said Michael Williams, Director of Athletics for Salem Academy and College. “Their commitment to improvement and their competitive spirit were on full display at the NCFL state meet.”

With the state championship concluded, the team has turned its focus to the upcoming NCFL Mountain Conference Individuals competition, the final event of the season. Salem Academy’s fencers look to close out the year with the same intensity, discipline, and teamwork that defined their championship performance.

About Salem Academy
Salem Academy, exclusive to girls in grades 9 -12, is the nation’s oldest educational institution for girls in the United States. Educating girls since 1772, Salem Academy fosters compassionate and creative leaders, prepared for college and life, who chart their paths with character, curiosity, and courage. Nationally recognized, NICHE ranked Salem Academy the No. 1 Best Boarding High School in North Carolina and the No. 1 Best High School for STEM Education in Forsyth County.