ITHACA, N.Y. – Susan Jennings has joined the Cornell fencing coaching staff as an assistant coach, as announced on Tuesday morning by head coach Ariana Klinkov. Jennings arrives in Ithaca after coaching at the Rochester Fencing Club for eight years (2011-19).
 
"I'm very excited to be back in my hometown and following in my father's footsteps as a coach of Cornell Fencing," said Jennings. "I'm looking forward to working with our impressive team, athletic staff and new Head Coach Ariana Klinkov."
 
Jennings, who grew up watching Big Red fencing, is the daughter of former Cornell head fencing coach, Graeme Jennings. The late Jennings led the Big Red from 1988-1991 and helped the team to a National Intercollegiate Women's Fencing Association championship in 1991.
 
In addition to her work at the Rochester Fencing Club, Jennings worked as a fencing coach for both the Rochester Boys and Girls Club and the Rochester Institute of Technology's wellness program. At the Boys and Girls Club, Jennings worked to provide weekly fencing sessions for the city's underprivileged children.
 
Prior to her time in Rochester, Jennings served as the head junior and youth coach for the Fencing Academy of Nevada from 2004-2011. Throughout her coaching career, Jennings has been mentored by some of the top fencing coaches in the country, including U.S. Fencing Hall of Fame inductees Yves Auriol and Buckie Leach.
 
"Susan brings years of experience as a high-level competitor and an elite level coach," said head coach Ariana Klinkov. "Her enthusiasm, energy and her extensive ties to Cornell make her the perfect addition to the fencing staff. I am unbelievably excited to work with her." 
 
A 2000 graduate of Columbia University with a degree in economics, Jennings is a four-time first team All-Ivy League honoree and a four-time NCAA All-American. While at Columbia, Jennings was twice named captain and was a member of the 1997 World University Games team for the United States.
 
Following her career at Columbia, Jennings earned a bronze medal at the 2001 Pan-American Games. Her international career also includes appearances on the Cadet and Junior U.S. National teams.