Director and Coach Philip Daly’s lifelong passion for fencing began at the age of 12, marking the start of an extraordinary journey in the sport. Fencing quickly became a proud family tradition, with four of his brothers also taking up the sport. This legacy extended to the next generation, as Coach Daly’s son, Jeffery, his grandchildren, Liam and Ryan, and his nephew, Shane, all tried fencing, reflecting the deep-rooted influence of the sport within his family.

In 1977, at just 17 years old, Coach Daly began fencing saber and rapidly ascended the ranks, placing fourth and seventh in his first two national saber tournaments. His commitment and skill earned him a national ranking as a Sabre fencer.

The following year, at age 18, Coach Daly expanded his involvement in the sport by refereeing high school fencing competitions in Suffolk and Nassau Counties, demonstrating his dedication to developing fencing at the grassroots level.

In 1979, at the age of 19, Coach Daly enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served with distinction until 1985. He was promoted to Staff Sergeant after only three years, six months, and one day. While stationed at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany, Coach Daly was assigned as a Security Trainer, overseeing protocols, lesson plans, and quality assurance for the Security Police Squadron. Despite his military commitments, Daly continued fencing with a German Fencing Club, maintaining his connection to the sport.

At McConnell Air Force Base, Daly’s excellence was recognized through multiple awards, including Non-Commissioned Officer of the Month, Quarter, and Year for the Security Police Squadron, and NCO of the Quarter for the base and the Wing. He also volunteered as a "Big Brother" and worked part-time to support his family, highlighting his commitment to service both in and out of uniform.

After leaving the Air Force in 1985, Coach Daly joined the Suffolk County Police Department. Within his first two years, he was designated a "Field Training Officer," responsible for mentoring and training new precinct members. In 1992, he was promoted to Detective and participated in over 40,000 felony criminal investigations before his retirement, a testament to his dedication and expertise in law enforcement.

Coach Daly’s refereeing career flourished in 1992 when he became a nationally rated Fencing Referee for all three disciplines: Épée, Foil, and Sabre. He officiated for the United States Fencing Association and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), eventually serving as Chief Referee for the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC).

As Chief Referee, Daly was instrumental in recruiting, assigning, and training collegiate fencing referees for top universities, including Boston College, Brandeis University, Brown University, Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, MIT, NYU, Princeton, St. John’s, Penn, Vassar, Yale, and for major events like the Intercollegiate Fencing Championships and NCAA National Championships. He is particularly proud of his efforts to diversify the pool of collegiate fencing referees.

In 1996, Coach Daly and his wife, Christina, founded Proprintwear, a screen printing and embroidery business that became the "Official Merchandiser" for the United States Fencing Association. Daly also served as the "Official Photographer" for USA Fencing, promoting the sport and financially supporting fencing development at all levels, local, regional, national, international, and collegiate.

Proprintwear was also the “Official Merchandiser” for the Suffolk County Police Memorial Fund, which supports the families of fallen police officers. Daly’s commitment to law enforcement extended through countless hours and financial support for this vital cause.

With over thirty years of experience coaching baseball, fencing, football, and soccer, Coach Daly’s impact on youth sports is both broad and deep. As Director of the Long Island Fencers’ Club, he established a fencing coach mentoring program for high school and collegiate fencers, as well as for high school fencing coaches. By August 2025, the club had engaged ten female fencers/coaches, helping them begin or advance their journey in Olympic fencing. In response, USA Fencing created a junior coaching membership to accredit younger student coaches.

In 2023, Coach Daly was one of only ten fencing coaches nationwide selected for the Susan Crown Exchange Fellowship through the Million Coaches Challenge (MCC). His participation strengthens the Long Island Fencers’ Club Student Coach initiative, sharing his expertise to further the project’s objectives.

In August 2025, Coach Daly was nominated and selected as Vice Chairperson for the USA Fencing Long Island Division. His leadership extends beyond the club, driving volunteer initiatives such as food drives, environmental beautification, cancer car washes, and adopt-a-highway programs, illustrating his dedication to community service.

Coach Daly is a Lifetime Coach with the United States Fencing Association, SafeSport trained, criminal background checked, Red Cross certified, and Boy Scouts of America Youth Training certified. He holds national ratings as a Fencing Referee in all three disciplines.

Coach Philip Daly’s career reflects a remarkable blend of athletic achievement, military and law enforcement service, entrepreneurial spirit, and community leadership. As Executive Director and Head Sabre Coach of the Long Island Fencers’ Club, his legacy continues to inspire fencers, coaches, and community members, shaping the future of fencing on Long Island and beyond.

The Long Island Fencers’ Club is proud to announce that Zachary Zukofsky (Sayville ’21) has been promoted to Fencing Coach, serving both our Huntington and Patchogue club locations.

Coach Zachary Zukofsky’s fencing journey began in the 6th grade. By 8th grade, he had joined the Sayville Varsity Fencing Team, quickly establishing himself as a standout athlete. Zachary earned First Team All-Suffolk County honors in 2019, 2020, and 2021, and was named Sayville Men’s Fencing Team MVP for the 2018/19 high school season. Fencing runs in his family—his grandfather was a fencer, and his heritage traces back to Ukraine, Belarus, Romania, and Israel.

During his time at Sayville High School, Zachary excelled academically, completing challenging courses such as AP Comparative Government, AP World History, AP Literature, AP Language, VEI, and two robotics courses through SUNY Farmingdale. He also balanced his studies with a part-time job at a local 7-11 convenience store.

Zachary attended Drew University, where he studied Economics with minors in Business and Photography. He was a member of the Drew University NCAA Fencing Team and holds a “C” rating as an Epee fencer. Beyond athletics and academics, Zachary served as an RHA Tolley Representative, advocating for approximately 50 dormitory residents.

Coach Zukofsky is a three-weapon accredited fencing referee, certified in Epee, Foil, and Sabre. He has officiated numerous tournaments for New Jersey high schools, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role as coach.

Zachary’s commitment to service is evident through his extensive volunteer work. He has served as an Executive Board member of the Apolonio Albuquerque Project, an organization dedicated to providing food to the homeless. His volunteerism also includes contributions to Art Without Walls, Reality Check, Maureen’s Haven Backpack Pirates, Chabad (CTeen), and Stage the Change/Youth Bureau.

The Long Island Fencers’ Club warmly welcomes Coach Zachary Zukofsky to his new role. We are excited for the expertise, dedication, and passion he brings to our community and look forward to his continued contributions at the Huntington and Patchogue club locations.

Fencing Coach Yadiel Manuel Abreu brings more than four years of fencing experience, competitive achievement, and a strong commitment to helping athletes develop both on and off the fencing strip. Throughout his fencing career, Yadiel has earned multiple medals and distinguished himself through dedication, discipline, perseverance, and teamwork.

His experience as a competitive fencer has strengthened his communication, patience, problem-solving, and adaptability, qualities he brings directly to his role as a fencing coach. Yadiel understands the importance of creating a positive and supportive training environment where athletes can build technical skills, confidence, sportsmanship, and a strong work ethic.

Professional Experience

Boulevard Home Care Associates, Home Health Aide

Fresh Meadows, New York | June 2025 – September 2026

Through his work in home health care, Yadiel developed valuable interpersonal and professional skills that complement his approach to coaching. His responsibilities included:

Maintaining a safe, healthy, and supportive environment for patients.

Assisting patients with activities of daily living based on their individual needs.

Demonstrating patience, responsibility, compassion, and effective interpersonal communication.

Adapting to changing circumstances and responding thoughtfully to individual needs.

Education

Suffolk County Community College, Ammerman Campus

Associate in Arts | September 2024 – August 2026

During his two years at Suffolk County Community College, Yadiel participated in the Musicians Club and performed in two concerts held as part of college events. His involvement in music further strengthened his appreciation for preparation, collaboration, discipline, and performance.

Fencing Honors & Awards

White Letter Award for Fencing, 2023–2024

Brentwood Senior Varsity Award, 2023–2024

Alan Kuver Fencer’s Fencer Award, 2023–2024

As a coach, Yadiel seeks to share the lessons fencing has taught him while helping each athlete reach their individual potential. His approach emphasizes technical development, discipline, patience, teamwork, sportsmanship, and a genuine enthusiasm for the sport.

Coach Jason Palmer is the Head Foil Coach of the Huntington location of the Long Island Fencers Club.

Coach Jason Palmer started fencing at age 16 and was the youngest entrant in the 1981 Senior Nationals. He was classically trained under Semyon Pinkasov and Stanislav Bardakh. He was Varsity Foil and Team Captain at Walt Whitman High School and went on to fence Varsity Foil at New York University under Coach Steve Kaplan.

Coach Palmer holds a Level 1 Foil Coaches Certificate from US Fencing.

As a lifelong competitor, Coach Palmer specializes in and teaches tactical and competitive Foil fencing techniques in addition to emphasizing the fundamentals of fencing, such as footwork and proper form.

When not fencing or coaching, Jason enjoys Sailing and Tennis. He is a life long resident of Huntington. His day job is as a CPA who is Financial Technology and Compliance Specialist with a focus on Management Consulting, Business Process, and Cybersecurity. 

Fencing Coach Nicholas Ramirez is a mechanical engineering student, competitive saber fencer, fencing coach, and Eagle Scout with a strong background in research, leadership, athletics, community service, and engineering-focused internship experience. Recognized for academic excellence, independent research achievement, and the ability to lead teams, mentor athletes, and manage meaningful service initiatives from concept through completion.

Fencing Coach Nicholas Ramirez has demonstrated strong academic performance, with a high school weighted GPA of 110.54, and extensive research experience through work at Brookhaven National Laboratory and Gateway Lab. Earned an honorable mention designation at the New York State Science and Engineering Fair for independent research, reflecting strong analytical ability, technical curiosity, and commitment to scientific inquiry.

Gained industry experience as a Quality Assurance Engineering Intern with Curtiss-Wright’s Target Rock division from June 2026 to August 2026, supporting engineering and quality-focused work in a professional manufacturing environment.

As an Eagle Scout, Coach Nicholas Ramirez led a restoration project at Fort Hill Cemetery in partnership with historic Raynham Hall. The project included fundraising, construction, and installation of an arbor to guide visitors to the cemetery, as well as a bench to enhance the site, and coordinated the cleaning of historic tombstones dating back to the 1700s using D/2 Biological Solution to remove moss and preserve the cemetery’s historical character.  Coach Nicholas Ramirez enhanced the project's educational value by adding a QR code at the entrance, providing visitors with information about the Townsend family and their role as spies during the American Revolutionary War. Since the completion of the restoration, the previously overlooked cemetery has been featured at multiple local events to educate the community about Oyster Bay’s historical significance.

Coach Nicholas Ramirez received the 2023 Youth Humanitarian Award from IHNC in recognition of community service and leadership, and served as a Social Media Marketing Intern for the Youth and Family Counseling Agency of Oyster Bay from June 2022 to August 2024. Responsibilities included promoting and selling tickets for an annual fundraiser that raises approximately $15,000, managing and growing an Instagram account to more than 1,000 followers, and updating the organization’s website to improve user experience and engagement.

C-rated saber fencer, All-County saber athlete, First Team Academic All-American with USA Fencing, and USA Fencing All-American Honorable Mention. Served as captain of both the Oyster Bay High School Varsity Fencing Team and the Oyster Bay High School Robotics Team, demonstrating leadership across athletic and technical team environments.

Certified USA Fencing referee in all three weapons and one of the first students of Long Island Fencers Club. Has served for many years as both a Student Coach and Assistant Fencing Coach with Long Island Fencers Club, leading classes, open fencing sessions, summer camps, and individual development for saber fencers. Coaching contributions have helped multiple athletes achieve All-County recognition.

Coach Brandon Guzman’s journey in the world of fencing is a testament to perseverance, self-discovery, and the value of mentorship. Despite being overlooked by high school coaches, Guzman’s innate athleticism and dedication set him on a unique path toward excellence in the sport.

Guzman’s athletic abilities were cultivated through years of plyometric training on his school’s stairs. These self-driven workouts laid a solid foundation for his future in sports, helping him develop the agility and explosive power crucial to fencing. Although his talents may have gone unnoticed by traditional high school athletics programs, Guzman’s determination never wavered.

Just a month before his 18th birthday, Guzman discovered his passion for the sabre. Under the guidance of Head Coach Philip Daly, he quickly honed his skills through tireless training and personalized coaching sessions. This accelerated development allowed Guzman to earn a coveted spot in the Advanced Sabre Class, highlighting his commitment and rapid growth within the sport.

In addition to his athletic achievements, Guzman recently graduated from Suffolk Community College. He is currently furthering his education as a History major at Stony Brook University, showcasing his dedication to both intellectual and athletic growth.

As a coach for the Long Island Fencers Club, Guzman continues to evolve under the mentorship of the club’s seasoned experts. He is not only a coach but a valued team member, sharing his vibrant personality and diverse interests with students and colleagues alike.

Guzman’s life outside of fencing is just as dynamic. He enjoys reading, cycling, and the occasional yoyo session, reflecting his wide-ranging interests. With a rich heritage that blends Filipino and Jewish roots, Brandon Guzman brings a unique perspective and energy to every aspect of his life and work.

Coach Brandon Guzman is a dynamic and dedicated addition to the Long Island Fencers Club. His journey from overlooked athlete to advanced Sabre competitor and mentor serves as an inspiring example for fencers and coaches alike. Through hard work, resilience, and a commitment to personal growth, Guzman continues to make his mark both on and off the piste.

The Long Island Fencers’ Club is pleased to announce that Dylan Wong has joined us as a Junior Fencing Coach.  Student Coach Dylan Wong began his journey into Olympic Fencing at Huntington High School.

Dylan’s other accomplishments include:

Institute of Creative Problem Solving for Gifted and Talented Students, SUNY Old Westbury, 9th grade.

Institute of Creative Problem Solving for Gifted and Talented Students, SUNY Old Westbury Research & Technology Program 10th grade.

Huntington Blue Devil Chamber Orchestra and Competitive Marching Band.

Huntington High School Science and English Honor Society.

Huntington High School Robotics Team, Key Club, and Stage Crew.

Dylan volunteers with the Friends of the Oyster Bay beach cleanup events and prepping the water testing bottles. Dylan also enjoys playing tennis and chess. 

The Long Island Fencers’ Club is proud to announce the selection of Catherine (Catie) Carberry as one of our Junior Coaches. Catie follows in the footsteps of her older sister, Morgan Carberry, and becomes the twelfth female coach in our three-and-a-half-year history. No other club has surpassed the Long Island Fencers’ Club's dedication to providing a superior working environment and equal opportunity to the vast and emerging talent of female fencers in the United States of America. Our other female fencing coaches have included Arly Aguilar, Aurelia Cacace, 

Isabella Calderon Pardo, Morgan Carberry, Lucia Kasper, Rebecca Kranz, Ashley Kowalczyk, Michelle O’Brien, Kaylin Rutherig, Mia Santana, and Kate Sullivan.

This achievement not only highlights Catie’s commitment and skill in the sport but also strengthens our club’s mission to foster leadership and inclusivity among young female athletes. We look forward to seeing Catie inspire the next generation of fencers through her guidance and dedication.

Catie Carberry is the recipient of the 2024-25 Sayville High School Varsity Coach’s Award, the 2022-23 and 2023-24 Peer Leadership Awards, and is a member of the honor roll.

Catie Carberry loves art, fencing, soccer, and is widely considered a genuine people person. She prides herself on helping others and has volunteered at the Riverhead St. John’s Food Pantry, the Sayville Middle School Beach Clean Up, and at St. John Nepomucene.  Catie has also volunteered at numerous Let the Sunshine initiatives with the Long Island Fencers’ Club.

Catie Carberry's extracurricular activities have included art club, fencing (both club and varsity), middle school track, mural club, travel lacrosse, and travel soccer. Catie was named captain of the high school varsity fencing team as an eighth-grader.

Catie Carberry is the recipient of the 2024-25 Sayville High School Varsity Coach’s Award, the 2022-23 and 2023-24 Peer Leadership Awards, and is a member of the honor roll.

TBA

The Long Island Fencers’ Club is proud to announce the selection of Catherine Liam Daly as one of our Junior Coaches. Liam Daly skillfully allocates his time between academics, drama club, music, and sports. As a member of the drama club, Liam enjoyed appearing as a protagonist, lead, supporting principal, and featured roles. 

Liam is multi-instrumental and plays the Trumpet and French Horn. Liam’s musical talents have been recognized through his acceptance into the Tri-M (Modern Musical Masters) program and SCMEA Division 2, where he played the French Horn (2nd seat) in the Orchestra. 

As a member of the National Junior Honor Society since May 2025, Liam Daly has collaborated with peers to organize successful fundraising events, reinforcing his commitment to teamwork and leadership. Liam Daly has consistently demonstrated responsibility and integrity by keeping accurate records and ensuring all funds are properly accounted for. Liam has additionally volunteered to mentor other students academically.

From 2018 to 2026, Liam Daly volunteered at Christ Church United Methodist, assisting groups of up to 10 children, ages 5 to 11, under the guidance of a Sunday school teacher. This role allowed him to develop valuable experience working with young children, fostering patience, effective communication, and a nurturing attitude.

The Long Island Fencers’ Club is pleased to announce the appointment of Shae Rhonemus as a Junior Fencing Coach. Shae is also a Cancer Ambassador.

Ambassador Rhonemus has attended Saint Patrick’s Junior High School in Huntington, New York since Kindergarten and for the past year has participated with Troop 78 of Scouting America, formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America. Shae is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, reverent, and always the first to volunteer his time for the betterment of the Long Island Fencers’ Club. 

Ambassador Shae Rhonemus played the Bells with his school band for six years and recently began taking private lessons for other percussion instruments (i.e. drums and marimba). Shae’s musical talents were recognized and celebrated with his selection to the local catholic schools Honor Band for the past two years.  Ambassador Shae Rhonemus is an avid Chess player and a member of his school’s chess club for several years.  

Ambassador Shae Rhonemus joined the Long Island Fencers’ Club in December of 2023, and elected to train as a Sabre Fencer.  Shae subsequently became the youngest fencer to join the Advance Fencing class and has dedicated himself to the sport of fencing.

Madalynne Scanlon is an accomplished gymnast whose dedication, determination, and exceptional work ethic serve as an inspiration to those around her. Through years of rigorous training and athletic competition, she has developed a strong foundation of discipline, resilience, and perseverance. Her experiences in gymnastics have instilled in her the importance of setting meaningful goals, overcoming challenges, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to personal growth and excellence. Whether pursuing her athletic ambitions, excelling academically, or participating in community activities, Madalynne consistently demonstrates focus, enthusiasm, and a desire to achieve her fullest potential.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Madalynne is distinguished by her compassion, generosity, and genuine commitment to helping others. She recognizes that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a lasting and meaningful impact on individuals and communities. With a strong appreciation for the value of service, she actively embraces opportunities to support those in need and contribute positively to the world around her. Through her dedication to excellence, commitment to community service, and sincere concern for the well-being of others, Madalynne exemplifies the qualities of leadership, integrity, and compassion while striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those she encounters.

Junior Coach Vivian Wu is a dedicated student whose strong academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to helping others reflect the qualities she brings to the sport of fencing. She has maintained Honor Roll status since sixth grade, demonstrating consistent discipline, responsibility, and a commitment to excellence.

Vivian Wu is fluent in Chinese and maintains a strong connection to her cultural heritage. She regularly visits China, where she immerses herself in the country’s language, traditions, and culture. These experiences have strengthened her communication skills, cultural awareness, and ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds, qualities that complement her role as a fencing coach and mentor.

Vivian is also an accomplished young musician who plays viola in her school’s Selected Orchestra. Her musical experience has strengthened her focus, patience, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively, skills that complement her development as both a fencer and young coach.

Athletics and outdoor activities have long been an important part of Vivian’s life. She began skiing at the age of four and has been sailing with the Wet Pants Sailing Association in Sayville since the age of eight. Through these experiences, she has developed confidence, adaptability, perseverance, and an appreciation for continuous learning.

Vivian discovered her enthusiasm for fencing while attending the Long Island Fencers’ Club Summer Camp in 2025. Her interest in the sport has continued to grow as she develops her fencing knowledge and skills. As a young fencing coach, Vivian brings enthusiasm, patience, a positive attitude, and a genuine desire to encourage others as they learn and progress in the sport.

Her commitment to service is equally important to her personal development. Each summer, Vivian operates a lemonade and bracelet stand and donates all proceeds to Stony Brook Children’s Hospital. This annual tradition reflects her compassion, initiative, and belief in giving back to the community.

Through her achievements in academics, music, athletics, fencing, and community service, Vivian demonstrates the character and leadership qualities of a promising young coach. She is proud to continue developing as a fencer and to share her enthusiasm for the sport while helping others build confidence, skills, and a lasting appreciation for fencing.

Leo Chung is an eighth-grade student at Sayville Middle School in Sayville, New York, where he is expected to complete his studies in June 2027. He is a member of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), having joined in June 2026, and participates in activities that promote scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship. In January 2026, Leo collaborated with classmates as a member of the Future City Competition team, contributing to the research, design, construction, and presentation of a model city of the future. The team competed in the New York City regional competition, where he received a Recognition Medal.

Since 2024, Leo has been an active competitive saber fencer at Long Island Fencers' Club, where he trains and competes in youth fencing tournaments. Through his dedication to the sport, he continues to develop strategic thinking, discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship. He also supports fellow fencers and helps foster a positive and encouraging training environment.

Leo has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service through his volunteer work at Long Island Fencers' Club, where he has contributed approximately 67 hours of service through October 2026. Since September 2024, he has regularly assisted with post-practice cleanup, organized fencing equipment, and helped maintain clean, safe, and welcoming training areas for club members. His consistent contributions reflect his reliability, sense of responsibility, and willingness to support the club community.

In addition to his academic, athletic, and club service activities, Leo has served as an acolyte at St. Ann's Episcopal Church since 2024, assisting with worship services and supporting the clergy in carrying out liturgical responsibilities. Through his involvement in school, competitive fencing, and volunteer service, Leo continues to demonstrate teamwork, leadership, organization, discipline, and a commitment to contributing positively to his community.

Lucas Chung is an eighth-grade student at Sayville Middle School in Sayville, New York, where he is expected to complete his studies in June 2027. He is a member of the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS), having joined in June 2026, and participates in activities that emphasize scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship. In January 2026, Lucas collaborated with classmates as a member of the Future City Competition team, contributing to the research, design, construction, and presentation of a model city of the future. The team competed in the New York City regional competition, where Lucas received a Recognition Medal.

Since 2024, Lucas has been an active competitive saber fencer at Long Island Fencers' Club, where he trains and competes in youth tournaments. Through his commitment to the sport, he continues to develop strategic thinking, discipline, perseverance, and sportsmanship. He also encourages fellow fencers and contributes to a positive, supportive club environment. In addition to his athletic pursuits, Lucas has volunteered at Long Island Fencers' Club since September 2024, assisting with post-practice cleanup, organizing fencing equipment, and maintaining clean, orderly training areas. His ongoing service helps ensure a welcoming environment for club members and supports the club's training programs.

Lucas also demonstrates a strong commitment to community service through his involvement with St. Ann's Episcopal Church, where he has served as an acolyte since 2024. In this role, he assists clergy with liturgical responsibilities during worship services, volunteering approximately once a month for 1.5 hours per service. In April and May 2026, Lucas co-organized a community food drive with his twin brother in support of St. Ann's Food Pantry. Over 11 hours of service, they collected substantial donations of nonperishable food and jointly raised $1,180 in monetary contributions. Their efforts engaged local churches, neighborhood residents, and the fencing community in helping families in need. On June 28, 2025, Lucas also participated in the Long Island Fencers' Club's “No One Fights Cancer Alone” charity car wash, completing 2.5 verified volunteer hours. The event supported fundraising efforts benefiting families affected by cancer and introductory fencing programs for cancer survivors.

Through his academic, athletic, and volunteer experiences, Lucas has demonstrated a commitment to teamwork, leadership, community service, problem-solving, organization, time management, and sportsmanship. His willingness to contribute to his school, athletic club, and local community reflects a strong sense of responsibility, initiative, and dedication to helping others.