Fencing Welcomes All-American Simmons to Coaching Staff

DURHAM - The Duke fencing program and head coach Omar Elgeziry announced the addition of four-time All-American Ari Simmons to the coaching staff as an assistant coach.

Simmons comes to Durham after spending two seasons as an assistant coach at the Air Force Academy under Elgeziry.

"Coaching at Duke is a great opportunity," Simmons said. "I can't wait to see what this team can do with Omar [Elgeziry] at the wheel. He is a highly skilled coach, motivator and leader who has a contagiously positive influence on those around him. I am humbled to be here, learning from him, working with the Duke fencers and helping make a mark on an institution as prestigious as this one."

Simmons brings a wealth of experience after a decorated career at Notre Dame where he helped guide the Fighting Irish to three national titles in 2017, 2018 and 2021. As a four-time All-American honoree, he also captured two team ACC Championship titles. As a freshman, he captured gold as the 2017 ACC Men's Epee Champion.

Simmons has medaled at numerous North American Cups and has been a member of the Cadet, Junior and Senior USA World Championship Teams. Simmons also represented the United States in 32 Senior World Cups/Grand Prix events.

He has been coaching since 2011 and during his time at the Air Force Academy, he helped coach Matthew Han and Jocelyn Ratzlaff to qualify for and compete in the 2022 and 2023 NCAA Fencing Championships.

Simmons and the Blue Devils return to competition Sunday at the Elite Invitational in Columbus, Ohio.

For more information on Duke fencing, follow the Blue Devils on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram by searching for "DukeFEN".

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Fencing Welcomes All-American Simmons to Coaching Staff

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