By Britt Melinauskas

Senior Cici Sun remains an undeniable presence on her club fencing team, exemplifying unparalleled skill and exceptional leadership. As she approaches the final chapter of her high school career, Sun poises herself for greatness, leaving a lasting impact on her team as she continues her fencing journey at Stanford University. Sun has constantly balanced her extraordinary fencing talent with a commitment to academic excellence, showcasing her ability to thrive in both athletic competition and intellectual discipline.

Sun began her fencing journey at the age of seven and has spent over a decade refining her skills, earning the respect of her peers through her unmatched dedication and commitment to the sport. Sun explains her introduction to fencing, noting that she first encountered it when “[My parents and I] passed by a fencing club, and my parents said how I should try it out. So I did, and after that I never stopped.” Since then, Sun has continued her career through the Silicon Valley Fencing Center, an award-winning fencing organization that continually competes in national championships, placing its fencers at the top in the nation. 

Sun’s rigorous academic course load, including challenging classes in Philosophy, AP Calculus AB, AP US Government, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics C, showcases her intellectual versatility and played a pivotal role in her attraction to Stanford University. When asked about her appeal to Stanford University, Sun stated, “I think everything was perfect; the location, the school, the programs, the team, the coach, everything’s just the best fit for me, and I love the campus as well. It feels like a place where I can truly grow, not just as an athlete but also as a person, and I’m excited for all the opportunities ahead.” At Stanford, Sun intends to pursue a major in electrical engineering, merging her passion for technology and innovation with her academic drive.

A significant source of inspiration for Sun’s success came from the upperclassmen at the Silicon Valley Fencing Center. As she explained: “I was really inspired by one of them who also committed to Stanford. She was always a good person, she had good academics, good values, and a dedicated fencer, making her an idol to look up to.” When discussing her achievements, Sun highlighted that her most significant accomplishments include “Several national medals where I got into the top eight in the Junior International Event and additional international medals where I got top eight in one of the Manchester events.” This year, Sun will fence at nationals in April and over the summer to conclude her career at the Silicon Valley Fencing Center. Her journey reflects not only her athleticism but also the influence of a supportive community that shaped her growth. Sun is eager to carry forward the lessons and values she learned at the center as she embarks on the next chapter of her fencing career.

Sun’s extraordinary journey in fencing and academics is a testament to her unwavering devotion, ambition, and perseverance. Inspired by her role models at the Silicon Valley Fencing Center and driven by her pursuit of excellence in both academics and athletics, Sun has consistently excelled in everything she sets her mind to.