Excalibur fencing head coach, Courtney McDonnell's ’08 (Champlain College) impact is felt well beyond the piste. 

A Trent alumni and former student-athlete, Coach McDonnell has now claimed the title Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Women’s Fencing Coach of the Year for her second time—the first in 2019—following the 2026 OUA Women’s Fencing Championships, hosted by Trent University. 

“It was such an honour to be recognized by my team and fellow coaches especially with all the extra work of hosting our first-ever OUA Championships,” said Coach McDonnell. “Winning it at home was special because the entire team and both of my children were there to celebrate. I was especially glad to have all the athletes graduating this year with me to enjoy the moment.” 

The award recognizes outstanding leadership and contributions to the sport, and for McDonnell, it reflects far more than a single season of success. 

She competed as a member of the Trent fencing team during her undergraduate years, earning Most Valuable Player honours in 2012. She transitioned into the head coaching role the following year, stepping in at a pivotal moment in the program’s history. 

Originally established as a varsity team in the 1970s, fencing at Trent entered a new chapter in 2013 when the program transitioned to a varsity club model. During this period of change, McDonnell’s leadership alongside other dedicated supporters played a key role in ensuring the program remained a meaningful and sustainable part of Trent Athletics. 

The team was rebuilt ahead of the 2013-14 season, focusing on long-term stability and growth, relying on creative fundraising efforts, student support, and grant funding, including assistance through a P.S.B. Wilson grant, to continue training and competing. 

The program has grown in both size and strength since McDonnell took over as coach, establishing itself as a competitive and resilient varsity club within the OUA. Now more than a decade into her coaching tenure, McDonnell’s leadership continues to shape the culture of the program, emphasizing development, commitment, and opportunity for student-athletes. 

"When I look back at all the student-athletes, accomplishments, friendships, memorable moments and stability of the fencing program, it feels so much bigger than me,” she said. “Fencing is such an important part of my life that it seems only fair that I do my best to create a sports environment where other people can find joy, empowerment and success through sport.” 

The OUA Coach of the Year award is nominated by student-athletes across the conference, with each team in the conference able to nominate a head coach for the award. The recipient is decided by a vote from the 13 head coaches. This highlights the respect McDonnell has earned within the provincial fencing community for her dedication to both her student-athletes and the sport. 

Now approaching 13 years as head coach with two coaching awards, McDonnell’s journey from Excalibur student-athlete to program leader underscores the lasting impact alumni can have within varsity sport.  

Learn more about Excalibur Fencing and Trent’s other varsity sports.