If you ask anyone on the Carrollton fencing team, she will tell you that Adriana Ferreira de Melo ‘28’s dedication to her sport is unmatched–and this is exactly what got her to the national fencing stage. Competing with fencers across the globe is difficult enough, and walking away with a medal even harder, but that’s exactly what Ferreira did, achieving third place out of over 400 fencers from around the world, an accomplishment that many can only dream of. How was she able to meet this seemingly impossible goal? She spoke about what happens behind the scenes of every practice.
The following interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
When did you start fencing and why?
In 2015, I had just finished riding one of my first roller coasters, the Dragon, at Legoland. At the end of the ride, there was a gift shop with toy foam swords. I grabbed one and started playing with my brothers before asking my mother if I could start fencing. She was unsure about enrolling me in fencing because she did not know much about the sport. Eight months later, I was watching TV when fencing appeared at the Rio Olympics, and again I told my mom, “Este es, este es el deporte que quiero hacer.” [This is it, this is the sport I want to do]. Eventually, at age 6, I went to my first class and have been doing it ever since.
What does your schedule look like as both a student and fencer?
On most days, I arrive at school at 7:00 a.m. and leave at 5:00 p.m. In the mornings, I attend Woodwind Ensemble or Modern Band practice, or I use the time to study and visit my teachers. In the afternoons on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I participate as founder, junior coach, and athlete on the Carrollton Fencing Club team. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, I study before leaving for fencing practice in Boca Raton. After 5:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, in addition to Carrollton practice, I also have physical therapy or a conditioning class before studying and going to bed early. My practices on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays run from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., although because of my school workload, I usually leave an hour early on Mondays and Wednesdays. Fencing season runs from Aug. 1 to July 30, and I travel to competitions once to twice a month, which often requires me to make up a significant amount of schoolwork. Despite the challenges, the experience is incredibly rewarding. I am honored to have earned a top-20 national ranking for the second consecutive year in the Cadet Division (U17) and to represent the USA Cadet Team in the Cadet World Cup circuit.
What was the most difficult part of achieving your fencing goals?
Over the past nine years, the biggest challenge in pursuing my goals has been the scarcity of competitive fencers and high-level training opportunities in Florida. Especially in my younger years, I was fortunate to be able to fly to places where I could compete and earn regional and national points, but without a consistent coach or a team that could travel with me, I had to push myself to train twice as hard just to keep up and reach my goals.
These challenges inspired me to establish the South Florida School Fencing League, which introduces fencing to schools across the Gold Coast Division. Through this league, any public or private school now has the opportunity to cultivate the sport and compete in mixed-gender team events. The league has become something I could only have wished for when I first started fencing.
What are your goals for the future?
My goal over the next couple of years is to continue balancing school, music, and fencing while growing as both an athlete and a leader. Through my Girl Scout Gold Award, I am working to expand access to fencing in schools and communities throughout Florida with the long-term hope of seeing the sport become part of the FHSAA (Florida High School Athletic Association). Fencing has given me opportunities that I want others to experience; it’s a lifelong sport where students of all heights, sizes, and backgrounds can excel. My faith grounds me in this mission, reminding me to use my talents to serve others and to approach every opportunity with gratitude. Individually, I am focused on training intentionally to remain on the USA Cadet Team while pushing myself to qualify for the Junior (U20) Team. I’ve learned that I’m at my best on the fencing strip when I feel equally committed to my academics and music. My goals also include continuing to excel in school and, as president of the Carrollton Woodwind Ensemble, to perform in the All-State Band in Tampa this coming January.
