WALTHAM, Mass.  – Brandeis University fencing assistant coach Matthew Zich has been honored by USA Fencing as one of six recipients of the 2020-21 season's first group to receive the Spirit of Sport Recognition Program, recognizing members of the fencing community who have exemplified outstanding dedication to the sport and are an inspiration to others.

New for the 2020-21 season, each quarter, one recipient from each region is chosen based on the USA Fencing core values of excellence, respect, teamwork, inclusion and passion. After the fourth quarter winners have been announced, a selection committee will name the top selection in each region as well as one wildcard choice from the pool of 24 winners named throughout the season. The fencing community will then select the winner from the final seven in an online vote available to the entire USA Fencing membership.

Zich, who has been an assistant with Brandeis's sabre fencers for the past three years, is also a coach at the Boston Fencing Club. He was nominated by Brandeis sophomore Maggie Shealy, whom he helped qualify for the 2019 NCAA Fencing Championships.

"Matt Zich makes changing coaches, and moving from club to college, an easy transition," Shealy said in her nomination. "Warm and welcoming from the beginning, he does everything he can to make his fencers better, and his impact is evident in both their results and skill levels. He gives the team confidence in their abilities and as a fencer himself, can relate to what his fencers are going through. He cares about each fencer and while winning is important, Zich most values a great work ethic, looking for effort and applying what is taught. He takes the time necessary with each fencer, despite also being a coach at Boston Fencing Club and spending all day coaching.

"I am thankful for his coaching, and I admire his dedication and commitment to our team and this sport."

Zich was a member of the US National Fencing Team from 2003 through 2009, representing his country at World Championships in Korea, Italy, France and Austria. He was the top-ranked sabre fencer in America as a Cadet, when he was among the top five in the world, and as a junior.

Click here for the full USA Fencing press release.