Fencing Freshman Spotlight: Catie Buteau

DURHAM, N.C. – Duke fencing head coach Alex Beguinet and the Blue Devils welcome freshman Caitie Buteau, a native of Bernardsville, N.J., to the program for the 2016-17 campaign.

Prior to Duke: Buteau joins the Blue Devils from Bernards High School and was a member of the Fencers Club under the coaching of Irene and Simon Gershon. The foilist was the New Jersey Individual State Champion in 2014 and was named to the New Jersey Interscholastic Fencing Association (NJIFA) First-Team All-State in 2015. Outside of the fencing gym, Buteau was a member of the National Honor Society, founder and member of the Aid Beyond Borders Club, a New Jersey Governor's School finalist and a volunteer counselor at the Fencer's Club Berkshires Camp.

How did you get started fencing?

CB: It was actually because of one of the girls on the team at Duke, Kristen Coury. She's from my hometown and we played softball together growing up. In middle school, her dad started a fencing club and my sister joined. I would go to practices and watch, and I joined the next year when I was old enough. I stuck with it ever since.

What is your favorite fencing memory?

CB: Junior year in high school when I won New Jersey State Individuals. Only two other people from my school had ever won before me, so it was a pretty big deal for my school. All my bouts that day were really close, and I never even thought I would be in the finals.

Which competition result are you most proud of and why?

CB: Last year at Junior Summer Nationals when I made top 8 because it is one of my best results so far.

What is one piece of advice you would give to young fencers?

CB: If you really enjoy it, you need to make it a routine. It can't just be fencing – you need to do nutrition and analysis, and it really becomes most of your life.

What are your goals for this season?

CB: To make the travel team and try to make it to NCAA individuals.

Why did you choose Duke?

CB: When I came to visit, five minutes after I stepped on campus someone came over to ask me if I needed help with my luggage. This was at 11:45 at night. I was kind of taken aback at first because in New York and New Jersey, people don't do that, so it was a little strange. Duke had the best feeling and vibe. Everyone that I met that weekend was really nice and it had the academics and athletics that I wanted. Overall, it was just a great combination and the right one for me.

Who has had the biggest impact on your life?

CB: My mom. She's always been to all of my competitions and pushes me to do well in school and fencing. She's my rock.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

CB: Smile

If you were to play another sport, what would it be?

CB: I don't enjoy running so definitely not soccer or track. I used to ski and snowboard and really enjoyed that, so I would have to do with that.

What do you plan to major in?

CB: I'm all over the place with this. I really want to go into international corporate law for either the music, food or art industry. Right now, I have a four year plan to major in economics with a finance concentration, doubled with art/art history and possibly a Chinese minor.

What emoji best describes you?

CB: I'm not sure if it's an emoji but I always use the typed out version of the shrug. I use it way more than I should and have it as a saved shortcut right now.

Do you have a hidden talent?

CB: I can make a three leaf clover with my tongue and I'm right-handed but fence left-handed.

Quick Facts:
Favorite athlete: Gracie Gold. She's an Olympic figure skater and I think she's a perfect human.
Favorite TV show: I watch a lot of TV but would have to go with Parks and Rec.
Favorite book: The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Favorite movie: I don't really watch movies
Favorite musician: Since I'm from New Jersey, I would have to say Bruce Springsteen.

#GoDuke