Members of the Penn State fencing team—especially seniors—have been consistently overlooked, unsupported, and neglected under Coach Matteo Zennaro’s leadership. As highlighted in a recent Daily Collegian investigation, current and former athletes have shared serious concerns about Coach Zennaro’s behavior, including his lack of presence at meets, failure to recognize team members, and minimal engagement during practices. Many fencers report never receiving direct coaching from him in years, being excluded from senior recognition events, and watching him remain disengaged—even when present—often distracted by his phone or laptop. This pattern has created a climate where athletes feel invisible, undervalued, and unsupported by someone who is supposed to lead and guide them.

If this situation continues unaddressed, the harm to the fencing team’s morale, cohesion, and competitive success will only deepen. Celebrating senior athletes and providing consistent, constructive coaching are not optional—they are fundamental to maintaining the standards and legacy of this prestigious program. When leadership fails to meet even these basic expectations, it puts the entire team at risk—emotionally, mentally, and competitively. The lack of accountability and follow-through sends a message that athletes’ development and contributions do not matter.

Now is the time to act. With new seasons approaching and more athletes entering the program, the urgency to create a healthy, respectful, and engaged team environment has never been greater. The issues brought to light—both in personal testimonies and public reporting—must be addressed promptly and transparently. We are calling for accountability, a review of leadership, and meaningful change to ensure every athlete is seen, heard, and supported moving forward.