UNC Fencer Youssef Shamel Wins First Individual National Title in 43 Years

The Egyptian freshman defeated an Olympian to capture the NCAA Men's Epee Championship in his debut season.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:55am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fencing match, with sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, crimson red, and gold, capturing the dynamic movement and intensity of the sport.Youssef Shamel's historic NCAA fencing title victory highlights the program's ability to attract top international talent and the determination of student-athletes to excel.Chapel Hill Today

Youssef Shamel, a freshman fencer from Egypt, won the 2026 NCAA Men's Epee Individual National Championship just three months after arriving at the University of North Carolina. Shamel defeated Notre Dame's Kruz Schembri, an Olympian, by a score of 15-7 to claim UNC's first individual fencing title in 43 years and only the second in program history.

Why it matters

Shamel's victory is a remarkable achievement for a newcomer to the UNC fencing program, showcasing his exceptional skill and ability to quickly adapt to the NCAA format. His success has generated excitement around the Tar Heels' fencing team and highlights the program's potential to attract top international talent.

The details

After arriving in Chapel Hill just three months ago from his hometown of Tanta, Egypt, Shamel set a goal to win the NCAA championship. He quickly rose to the top of the ACC, winning the conference title and Most Valuable Fencer honors. Shamel then defeated his Egyptian national teammate and defending NCAA champion, Long Island University's Mo Elsayed, in the regional tournament before facing off against Schembri in the national final.

  • Shamel arrived at UNC in January 2026 to begin his first semester and fencing season.
  • He won the ACC Men's Epee Individual Championship in February 2026.
  • Shamel won the NCAA Men's Epee Individual National Championship on March 22, 2026.

The players

Youssef Shamel

A freshman fencer at the University of North Carolina who won the 2026 NCAA Men's Epee Individual National Championship in his debut season, the first UNC fencer to win an individual title in 43 years.

Kruz Schembri

A Notre Dame fencer and Olympian who Shamel defeated 15-7 in the NCAA Men's Epee Individual final.

Mo Elsayed

An Olympic medalist and the defending NCAA Men's Epee Individual champion from Long Island University, who Shamel defeated in the regional tournament.

Matt Jednak

The head coach of the University of North Carolina fencing team.

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What they’re saying

“Youssef is one of the kindest and most enthusiastic people, both in our program and in life. His work ethic is amazing.”

— Matt Jednak, Head Coach, University of North Carolina Fencing

“I knew that I could do it, but I know that if I want to win it, I just need to be more focused, more locked in.”

— Youssef Shamel

“He's an Olympic medalist, but in the end, I'm fencing a fencer. I'm not fencing the achievements. I just had to stay in the moment.”

— Youssef Shamel

What’s next

Shamel will look to defend his NCAA Men's Epee Individual title in 2027 and continue building on his success at UNC. He has also set his sights on representing Egypt at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

Youssef Shamel's remarkable NCAA championship victory in his debut season at UNC showcases the program's ability to attract top international talent and the determination of student-athletes to excel at the highest levels of collegiate fencing.