EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - HEAD FENCING COACH PHILIP DALY

    Coach Philip Daly is the Executive Director and Head Sabre Coach of the Long Island Fencers’ Club.

Coach Philip Daly has enjoyed the sport of fencing for more than fifty years as a nationally competitive foil and Sabre fencer, fencing referee, and fencing coach. Coach Philip Daly started fencing at the age of 12. Fencing became a proud family tradition as four of his brothers also fenced. As if that wasn't impressive enough, Coach Philip Daly’s son Jeffrey, grandchildren Liam and Ryan, and nephew Shane also tried fencing. 

In 1977, at 17, Coach Philip Daly started fencing saber and became a nationally ranked Sabre fencer, placing fourth and seventh at his first two national saber tournaments. 

In 1978, at 18, Coach Philip Daly began refereeing high school fencing in Suffolk and Nassau County.

In 1979, at 19, Coach Philip Daly entered the United States Air Force and proudly served his country until 1985. Coach Philip Daly was promoted to Staff Sergeant after serving only three years, six months, and one day. During Coach Daly's tenure at Spangdahlem Air Base, Coach Philip Daly was assigned as a Security Trainer. He was responsible for developing protocols and lesson plans, instructing classes, and performing educational quality assurance exams for the Security Police Squadron. While stationed in Germany, Coach Philip Daly continued to fence with a German Fencing Club. 

While stationed at McConnell Air Force Base, Coach Philip Daly was selected as the Non-Commissioned Officer of the Month, Quarter, and Year for the Security Police Squadron. Coach Philip Daly was selected as the NCO of the Quarter for McConnell Air Force Base and the Wing. While in service, Coach Philip Daly also worked part-time to support his family and volunteered as a "Big Brother". 

In 1985, Coach Philip Daly accepted a position with the Suffolk County Police. 

Department and, before the end of his second year, was designated a "Field Training Officer" responsible for mentoring and training newly assigned members of his precinct. 

In 1992, Coach Daly was promoted to Detective and participated in over 40 thousand felony criminal investigations before retirement. 

In 1992, Coach Philip Daly began to referee for the United States Fencing Association as a nationally rated Fencing Referee in all three fencing disciplines: Epee, Foil, and Sabre. 

Coach Philip Daly also refereed for the National Collegiate Athletic Association and subsequently became the Chief Referee for the Eastern College Athletic Conference. Coach Philip Daly is exceptionally proud of his efforts to diversify the Collegiate Fencing Referee Pool. 

As the Chief Referee for the E C A C, Coach Philip Daly was responsible for recruiting, assigning and training collegiate fencing referees for Boston College, Brandeis University, Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, New York University, Princeton University, Saint John’s University, University of Pennsylvania, Vassar College, Yale University, the Intercollegiate Fencing Championships and the NCAA National Championships.

In 1996, Coach Philip Daly and his wife, Christina, founded Proprintwear, a screen printing and embroidery business that served as the "Official Merchandiser" for the United States Fencing Association. Coach Philip Daly was also the "Official Photographer" for the United States Fencing Association and is proud of his legacy in promoting the sport of fencing. As Proprintwear and the Official Photographer, Coach Philip Daly is proud to have financially supported the development of fencing on the local, regional, national, international, and collegiate levels. 

Proprintwear was the “Official Merchandiser” for the Suffolk County Police Memorial Fund. The Suffolk County Police Memorial Fund cares for the families of fallen Police Officers by providing support to surviving family members. As a member of the Law Enforcement Community, Coach Philip Daly has dedicated numerous hours and financial resources in his support of this organization.

Coach Philip Daly has an extensive history of coaching baseball, fencing, football, and soccer, spanning more than thirty years. Coach Philip Daly is proud to be a Long Island Fencers Club member.

Coach Philip Daly is a Lifetime Coach with the United States Fencing Association, SafeSport trained, and Criminal Background Checked, Red Cross certified, Boy Scouts of America Youth Training, and a nationally rated Fencing Referee in all three fencing disciplines.

As the Director of the Long Island Fencers’ Club, Coach Philip Daly was instrumental in establishing a fencing coach mentoring program for high school fencers, collegiate fencers, and high school fencing coaches.  As of August 2025, the Long Island Fencers’ Club has engaged ten female fencers/coaches with the opportunity to begin and further their journey in the Olympic Sport of Fencing.  In response, USA Fencing established a junior coaching membership affording accreditation to the younger student coaches.  

In 2023, Executive Director and Head Fencing Coach Philip Daly was awarded one of only ten seats available to Fencing coaches for this Fellowship from the Susan Crown Exchange, through the Million Coaches Challenge (MCC). As part of the Long Island Fencers’ Club Student Coach initiative, Executive Director Philip Daly will share his experience and knowledge obtained via his participation, exponentially increasing the project’s end goal. 

In August 2025, Coach Philip Daly was nominated and selected as a Vice Chairperson for the USA Fencing Long Island Division.

Coach Philip Daly has been the driving force behind the Long Island Fencers' Club volunteer initiatives: hunger food drives, environmental beautification, cancer car washes, and adopt-a-highway programs.

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. 

The Long Island Fencers' Club welcomes visiting Sabre Coach Brian Chen to our Huntington Club location.

Coach Brian Chen has nearly 20 years of competitive Saber fencing experience, including 5 years of coaching experience, and brings a wealth of fencing and training knowledge. Coach Brian began fencing at Island Fencing Academy at 12 under the tutelage of a former US Junior and Cadet National Team Coach.

Coach Brian also trained at Manhattan Fencing Center, home of the US Olympic Saber team, studying under legendary 7x Olympic Coach and Hall of Famer Yury Gelman, where he served as a training partner for several members of the US National Teams. As a fencer, Coach Brian has competed at and achieved top results in competitions at the regional and national level, in addition to participating in numerous international training programs both domestically and abroad, which included members of National Teams from various countries. 

Coach Brian is a USA Fencing certified coach who has previously coached at Island Fencing Academy and Allegro Fencing Center, and currently leads the Cold Spring Harbor Varsity Fencing Team. Many of Coach Brian’s students began fencing under his guidance as complete beginners and earned medals at regional and national competitions. 

Among Coach Brian’s notable students are the National Bronze Medalist at the North American Cup in Cleveland, Ohio, who is currently ranked 10th in the country. Another of Coach Brian’s students ranked 8th regionally. She was also ranked the number one high school girls’ saber fencer in Nassau County as a 7th grader, receiving All-Long Island awards in her high school fencing debut. 

During the 2024-25 Fencing Season, 5 of Coach Brian’s students received All-County High School Fencing Awards. Coach Brian’s students include the Nassau County Boys’ Saber Individual Champion and multiple Boys’ and Girls’ Saber Individual Medalists. 

Coach Brian’s coaching philosophy is rooted in pushing limits, building perseverance, and helping each student discover their unique strengths through consistent training, mentorship, and hard work, both on and off the strip.

Coach Brian Chen is a registered Coach with the United States Fencing Association, SafeSport trained and Criminal Background Checked.

  The Long Island Fencers’ Club is pleased to announce Zachary Zukofsky (Sayville ’21) has been promoted to Epee Coach. Coach Zachary Zukofsky started fencing in the 6th grade and joined the Sayville Varsity Fencing Team in the 8th grade, earning First Team All Suffolk County honors in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Zachary was selected as Sayville Men’s Fencing Team MVP for the 2018/19 high school season. It is no wonder Zachary gravitated towards fencing as it was in his blood. Zachary’s grandfather was a fence; his family originates from Ukraine, Belarus, Romania, and Israel.  

While attending Sayville High School, Zachary completed AP Comparative Government, AP World History, AP Literature, AP Lang, VEI, and two Robotic courses through SUNY Farmingdale while working at a local 7-11 convenience store. 

Coach Zachary Zukofsky attends Drew University, where he studies Economics with minors in Business and Photography. Zachary is a member of the Drew University NCAA Fencing Team and is presently a “C” rated Epee fencer. In addition to his studies and fencing, Zachary is an RHA Tolley Representative responsible for representing the concerns of roughly 50 dorm residents.

Coach Zachary Zukofsky is a three (3) weapon accredited fencing referee in Epee, Foil, and Sabre and has officiated multiple tournaments for the New Jersey High Schools.

When it comes to volunteerism and social responsibility, Coach Zachary Zukofsky is no stranger to hard work. Student Coach Zachary Zukofsky has served as an Executive Board member of the Apolonio Albuquerque Project, which feeds the homeless. Zachary’s volunteerism includes Art Without Walls, Reality Check, Maureen’s Haven Backpack Pirates, Chabad (CTeen), and Stage the Change/Youth Bureau. 

Though he may have been overlooked by high school coaches, Assistant Coach Brandon Guzman has always had an innate athleticism, honing his skills through years of plyometric training on the school stairs. Now, this Chemistry major is channeling his boundless energy into a new passion: the Olympic sport of fencing.

After discovering his calling in the sabre just a month before his 18th birthday, Guzman has quickly risen through the ranks under the tutelage of Head Coach Philip Daly. Through tireless training and personalized sessions, he accelerated his development, earning a spot in the Advanced Sabre Class.

As a coach at the Long Island Fencers Club, Guzman will continue to grow under the mentorship of the club's seasoned experts, while sharing his own vibrant personality and diverse interests - from reading and cycling to the occasional yoyo session. With a rich heritage blending his Filipino and Jewish roots, Guzman is a dynamic addition to the team.

Beyond the strip, Guzman's sights are set on serving his country with the United States Marine Corps. But for now, he remains a passionate, qualified fencer, registered with USA Fencing and committed to the sport through SafeSport training and a clean background check.

The Long Island Fencers’ Club is pleased to announce the acquisition of Assistant Coach Nicholas Ramirez. Student Coach Nicholas Ramirez is presently a student at Oyster Bay High School and a member of the Oyster Bay High School Varsity Fencing Team having recently earned an All-County Sabre Fencer designation for his superior performance this season. Assistant Coach Nicholas Ramirez distinguished himself and earned the status of Scholar Athlete at Oyster Bay High School. Assistant Coach Nicholas Ramirez was also a member of the Cross Country Team. 

Assistant Coach Nicholas Ramirez is exceptionally hardworking and dedicated in every aspect of his life, with an unweighted average of 93.41 and a weighted average of 107.21. He will graduate with a Regent’s Diploma with Advanced Designation. Assistant Coach Nicholas Ramirez is on the Principal’s Honor Roll, a Member of the National Honor Society, a Member of the Tri-M Honor Society for Music, and a Student Athletic Leadership Program Member. Assistant Coach Nicholas Ramirez is an accomplished Trumpet player for the Jazz Band and a Team Captain of the Robotics Club.

Assistant Coach Nicholas Ramirez is actively pursuing the rank of Eagle Scout with Boy Scout Troop 253. He has served as a Senior Patrol Leader, was elected Order of Arrow Nominee, Boy Scout Honor Society, was selected for High Adventure Camp experience at Philmont NM, and earned 100+ Community Service hours. 

Assitant Coach Nicholas Ramirez has volunteered for weeklong Group Missions, rendering home improvements to economically disadvantaged families, and aiding the Youth and Family Counseling Agency of Oyster Bay, and the Portledge Summer Adventures. 

Executive Director Philip Daly is highly proud of Assistant Fencing Coach Nicholas Ramirez and looks forward to all his future achievements!

From the fencing strip to the classroom, James Grassie is a true Renaissance man. This aspiring clinical psychologist brings a wealth of experience to the Long Island Fencers' Club as their newest Student Coach.

A standout fencer in high school, James was selected as Team Captain and earned accolades as an All-County Fencer and Nassau County Senior All-Star. He continued honing his skills at the collegiate level, fencing for the Stony Brook University team. Now, James shares his passion for the sport as he pursues a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at SUNY Old Westbury, building on his Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Nassau Community College.

Beyond the classroom and fencing strip, James is a Unitarian Universalist who embraces the faith's principles of reason, truth-seeking, and respect for all beliefs. He celebrates his Colombian and European heritage, indulges in science fiction, and is an avid strategy gamer. As the Long Island Fencers' Club welcomes James Grassie, they eagerly anticipate the impact of this versatile athlete, scholar, and coach.

The Long Island Fencers’ Club is pleased to announce Mia Santana (Sayville ’23) has joined us as a Student Fencing Coach.  Mia Santana’s academic achievements are mind-bending with a 4.0 unweighted average, 104.02 GPA, College Board AP Scholar with Honors, College Board National Hispanic Recognition, a member of RISE (Research in Science and Engineering), and is pursuing an AP Capstone, Regents with Advanced Designation with Honors Diploma; New York Seal of Bi-literacy/Spanish.

As a student-athlete, Mia Santana was:

● USA Fencing All-Academic 1st Team 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22

● USA Fencing All American Honorable Mention 2021-22

● High School National Honor Society

● 2022 World Language Honor Society

● College Board AP Scholar with Honors

● 2022-23 College Board National Hispanic Recognition Scholar

As a High School and nationally competitive Fencer, Mia Santana was: 

● Team Captain 2019-Present

● Most Improved Award 2019-20

● MVP 2020-21, 2021-22

● All League 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23

● All County 2020-21, 2021-2022, 2022-23

● All Long Island 2020-21, 2021-22, 2022-23

● Section XI Women’s Epee County Champion 2022-2023

● Newsday All Long Island Fencing Team 2022

● 3rd Place Brentwood Holiday Tournament 2022

● Newsday Top 10 Girls Fencers on Long Island 2023

● Qualified Junior Olympics 2019, 2020, 2021

In her spare time, Mia Santana enjoys Dance-Tap/Jazz and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

● Dance-Tap/Jazz 2007-Present

● Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 2014-Present

Mia Santana’s community volunteerism includes: 

● Lucky Black Cats of New York Volunteer 2017-Present 

● Anchor International 2021-Present

● Student-Athlete Advisory Committee 2023-Present

Mia Santana is a member of the Sayville High School Art Club, Film Club, Forensics Club, History Club, Newspaper, and Yearbook Committee.

Editor's Note:  Mia Santana is a member of Mission Fencing and not a student of the Long Island Fencers' Club.

The Long Island Fencers' Club is proud to announce Lucia Kasper is joining us as a Student Coach.  

As Captain of the Cold Spring Harbor High School Fencing Team in her Junior and Senior years, Student Coach Lucia Kasper conducted daily training practices and coached other fencing team members.  

Student Coach Lucia Kasper’s leadership and organizational skills were fully displayed at the College of William and Mary.  As the Fencing Team Captain, Lucia was elected Captain of the Fencing during her Junior and Senior years.  

As Captain, Lucia’s administrative talents and logistical abilities became self-evident as she ran practices, scheduled travel and lodging, planned and organized, and hired tournament staff. As if Lucia’s plate wasn’t already full, she also coached other team members.

EDUCATION

College of William and Mary 2024

Degree: BS in Psychology, member of Psi Chi Honors Society, graduated magna cum laude, graduated with honors with a 3.73 GPA.

Captain of William & Mary Fencing Team 

WORK EXPERIENCE

TOWN CENTER COLD PRESSED 2023-2024

Barista at an on-campus cafe. 

ANGELIC DELIGHTS CATERING. Summer 2021-2024

Catering for large parties, food service and event organization.

COLD SPRING HARBOR BEACH CLUB. Summer 2021-2022

Food preparation and client service.

OPEN WIDE FOUNDATION. Dental Mission: Antigua Guatemala. Summer 2019

Patient admission and registration. Conducted dental hygiene education programs at mission sites and local schools. Polished teeth of patients after dental appointments. Required use of Spanish language skills.

BLANCA'S HOUSE. Dental Mission: Guayaquil, Ecuador. Summer 2018

Created and conducted dental hygiene educational programs benefiting the local underserved population. Served as hands-on dental assistant.  Required use of Spanish language skills.

CATAMOUNT SKI MOUNTAIN. Winters 2019-2022

Private ski lessons for all ages and experience levels.

CAMP ALVERNIA. Counselor. Summer 2017

SKILLS

Python, SPSS, Excel, Psychopy, Google Sites

RESEARCH 

Honors thesis research project in which she researched sleep paralysis and how it manifests across cultures.

She completed a research project with human subjects as part of her cognitive psychology research capstone on the effects of technology use on the development of an extended memory system, specifically for facial recognition.

The Long Island Fencers’ Club is pleased to announce  Dylan Wong has joined us as a Student 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 pleased to announce  Isabella Calderon has joined us as a Student Fencing Coach.  Student Coach Isabella Calderon began her journey into Olympic Fencing at Centereach High School.

  Isabella is a bilingual (Fluent in Spanish), motivated, and responsible high school student with a track record of academic excellence. Isabella's Academic Achievements and Honors included the following: Newfield High School Music Varsity Award 1st Level NYSPHSAA Scholar, Athlete Award, Varsity Athlete Award for Fencing, Girls Varsity Fencing Team, member of Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, Thespian Honor Society, and Class Secretary (2021-current)

Isabella Calderon is a Girl Scout Volunteer (2016 - present) having participated in over 100+ community service events. Isabella Calderon additional served as a Religion Teacher   

Assistant with the Church of the Resurrection in Farmingdale, New York (2022 - 2023).