Falqui has been fencing since she was seven years old. Of the other sports she tried, fencing was the one she liked best.

“I liked fencing because it requires both agility and mental skills. It is quick and athletic, but also very reflective,” Falqui explained.

She met Ohio State's fencing coach, Vladimir Nazlymov, at the World Fencing Championships in 2013, which was the moment she knew Ohio State would be a good fit for her.

Being a student-athlete is no easy task. The fencing team has a rigorous schedule that entails practicing every day, all year long. Practices generally run for three hours in the morning, sometimes starting as early as 8 a.m. After practice, Falqui attends classes until 7 p.m. Starting in January, the fencing team participates in NCAA meets every weekend until the championship in March.

“It’s definitely a big challenge, but it’s extremely rewarding,” she said.

According to Falqui, being a good student is a key to success. She believes student-athletes should take advantage of the resources available on campus, including those in the Department of Athletics. She also says that communication with professors and coaches is fundamental.

As a fine arts major, Falqui focuses on the common themes that art and fencing share. They both require discipline, dedication and creativity.

Said Falqui, “Attacking an opponent or defending yourself from your opponent's action requires you to think in a creative way sometimes.”

She hopes to use her major to create social documentary photography while traveling the world. Her dream job is to work for National Geographic as a photojournalist.

While she doesn't have a definitive answer as to whether or not she'll continue fencing after graduation, for now she says she can't imagine her life without it.

By Samantha Ruwe, ASC Communications Student