Coaching Staff
Kathryn Lewis-Salem
Coach Kathryn is Head Coach at FRFC. She is certified by the US Fencing Coaches Association and USA Fencing and has coached and taught fencing at clubs and universities in Texas, Philadelphia and Colorado. As a World Class fencer, she was a member of the US squad and made many National and International Finals. Formerly ranked second in the United States, she was a Two-Time National Epee Champion and Bronze Medal National Championship Foil Teams member. Her fencing honors include serving as US Olympic Committee Athlete Liaison, USA Fencing Athlete Representative, US Junior Pan Am Team Manager, USA Fencing Philadelphia Division Chair and USA Fencing North Texas Division Chair. Kathryn holds an MFA and BS degrees and is a licensed K-12 teacher. She recently retired from teaching Art History at UCCS.
Abdel Salem
Coach Salem is the retired Head Coach at the US Air Force Academy, directing the men’s and women's fencing program from 1998-2019. Qualifying for three Olympic teams he participated in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and was a coach for the 2016 Rio Olympics. He holds an MD from the University of Alexandria, Egypt, where he was a practicing general physician. Coach Salem was named the US Olympic Committee's Fencing Coach of the Year. He is a certified Fencing Master in all three weapons and has served as US World Team Coach numerous times. While at USAFA the Falcons have won many Western Region Championships. Coach Salem has coached a team of primarily walk-ons to six All-Americans and a national champion. Teaching and coaching fencing at the University of Pennsylvania, Bryn Mawr College, New York Fencer’s Club and founding Lone Star Fencing Center (Dallas) and Fairmont Park Fencing Center (Philadelphia) his fortunate students include U.S. Olympic and World Team members. He has served as a staff member of the U.S. Fencing Coaches College and Coach for the World Military Games. Coach Salem is currently serving as Past President of the United States Fencing Coaches Association and is certified by USA Fencing. He is also on the Board of Directors for USA Fencing.
Judith Steed
Coach Judith first began fencing at Virginia Tech and competed on the University Fencing Team. She coaches the Fencing Fundamentals to students of all ages. She began sports coaching in 2014. She is certified by USA Fencing, Safe Sport and the US Fencing Coaches Association and previously worked for USA Fencing. Both her daughter and husband also fence.