The Penn State women's fencing team will have an extra boost going forward for the remainder of the season.
Senior saber Caitlin Thompson has returned to the team after being medically redshirted in the fall with mononucleosis. Thompson, who is already in San Jose, Calif., is ready to compete this weekend in a North American Cup tournament.
The three-time All-American had to battle her illness for nearly six months before she was able to start training again. Thompson took classes in her hometown at Portland State and began training with her hometown coach.
"It's really good to be back," Thompson said. "I missed all my friends."
Thompson should provide a nice spark to an already strong team at saber. Freshman Jessica Russo and sophomores Monika Aksamit and Olivia Benedek have done most of the work this year for head coach Emmanuil Kaidanov. Aksamit was an All-American in 2009.
Kaidanov said her addition to saber will make the team much stronger and she is a great addition going forward. Thompson's coach is also impressed with her confidence and feels it is very important for the team.
As the season will begin to get tougher, the timing of Thompson's return could not have been better. The NCAA championships are only two months away, and the team has a lot of work to do in the meantime. Thompson's mindset seems to be identical as the rest of her teammates going forward.
"I want to stay healthy and win another NCAA championship," she said.
Aside from being a good fencer, the senior will bring valuable experience to the team.
"She has a lot of passion and has competed in World Championships before," junior foil captain Doris Willette said. "She also brings a strong intellect and a good strategy to every match."
Willette also said her teammate brings a unique way of thinking to the team.
Thompson began practicing with the team for the first time this year in the beginning of the week. She has been taking everything lightly so far as she is trying to get back into fencing shape and prevent herself from another setback.
For now, Thompson is just going to enjoy her time back with her teammates.
"I am going to try and do my best this weekend," she said
