Owner / Founder, Apex Fencing Academy, Professional Member of US Fencing Association
Fencing has always been part of Coach Kriszti Hovanyi’s life. Her dad was her first coach. Both her parents were on the fencing team in college. When her family immigrated to Sweden, she was coached by the famous Hungarian coach Bela Rerrich. Competition was the part she enjoyed the most and she became a Foil National Junior Silver Medalist and represented Sweden when competing internationally. She attended the Ohio State University on a full athletic scholarship and graduated with a BSBA in International Business and Economics. While at OSU, she served as team captain, became two-time Big 10 Champion and two-time NCAA All-American. She met her husband Igor Moreno at OSU, who was also on the fencing team. After some time away from fencing and starting a family, together they founded Apex Fencing Academy in 2010.
Coach Hovanyi was a volunteer assistant coach during two seasons for the UNC Tarheels under Coach Ronald Miller, who is not just her mentor but also the person who encouraged her the most to return to the sport as a coach.
Coach Hovanyi’s focus is not only to teach fencing, but to help fencers achieve their goals, prepare for college fencing and find a college where the fencers can continue the sport and have a great college experience. “The most rewarding part of coaching is to introduce a fencer to competition and help them discover and learn the tactical and mental part of the game.”
Owner / Founder, Apex Fencing Academy, Professional Member of US Fencing Association
Coach Igor spent 4 years as a varsity fencer at The Ohio State University fencing both foil and épée and was captain of the épée squad. With over 20 years coaching youth sports, he holds several Soccer Coaching Certifications bringing his experience working with large groups of kids to Apex Fencing Academy.
Coach
Joe attended UNC where he was on the fencing team for 4 years under Coach Ron Miller. He returned to UNC after graduation to help coach the foil team. Recently, Joe returned from coaching in China where he coached and taught English at the Raynor International Fencing Center in Qingdao. In addition to working with fencers, he exchanged American coaching styles and techniques with the Chinese coaches.
Coach
Coach Ron Miller received his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and Psychology from Florida State University in 1966. He received his Master’s in Exercise Science from Eastern Kentucky University in 1967. Miller earned his Doctorate in Exercise Science, Higher Education, Guidance and Psychology from Carolina in 1974. Coach Miller was also awarded a “Maitre d’ Armes,” in 1975.
Miller served as a coach for the U.S. Junior World Team in 1981, the Senior World Championship Team in 1983 and the 1987 Junior Pan American Team. From 1985-95, he served as the director of the USFA’s National Coaches College and from 1983-91, he was the director of the USFA’s National Junior Elite Summer Programs. He is a three-time member of the NCAA’s Fencing Committee and is a three-time NCAA Regional Committee Chair. Miller has been a USFA National Coaching Staff member since 1977. Miller was the Collegiate Coach of the Year in 1983 and 1986.
Fourteen of Miller’s students, achieved All-American status; many more than once. Five Carolina fencers were U.S. National Fencing Team members, while two were Olympians. In 2016, Miller received the USFCA’s Award of Merit for achievements and contributions to the national sport of fencing. In Feb 2017, Miller was honored as a UNC PRICELESS GEM in recognition of his outstanding contributions. That year he was awarded the Jack Baker Award for Service to USA Fencing. In November of 2017, Miller was presented with the North Carolina School of Education’s Alumni Achievement Award. In 2018, the Carolina Women’s Fencing Team won the 2018 ACC Women’s Fencing Championship, and in 2015, Miller was the ACC Women’s Fencing Coach of the Year. Miller’s teams hold nine ACC Championships.Coach Ron Miller retired as Head Fencing Coach at UNC this year with a record breaking 1603 wins over 52 years.
Coach
Matt was a Carolina fencer under Coach Ron Miller from 2002-2005 and qualified for NCAA Regionals every year. He served as team captain his junior and senior seasons. In 2008, he returned to UNC as an assistant coach. Coach Matt has been associated with Apex Fencing Academy for several years, teaching classes, private lessons and refereeing our events. Coach Jednak has recently become Head Coach at UNC which will leave him very limited time to work with AFA.
Coach
Wesley currently works as head coach for the NC State Fencing Club, as well as providing excellent coaching for Apex Fencing Academy students. He first came to coach with us in the spring of 2018, and has proved to be an invaluable addition. Wesley specializes in épée, and is eager to help our pre-competitive classes improve their skills.