Sana (L-C) represented Team USA at the 2026 Pan American Youth Championships.
Just months after claiming a gold medal at the USA Fencing North American Cup (NAC), Sana Sarath, a student at Founders Classical Academy – Frisco, has reached another remarkable milestone in her fencing career.
This summer, Sana traveled more than 3,000 miles from Frisco, Texas, to Lima, Peru, to represent Team USA at the 2026 Pan American Youth Championships (Campeonato Panamericano 2026). Competing in her first international tournament, Sana rose to the top once again, earning a gold medal and establishing herself as one of the country’s most promising young fencers.
The achievement marks an extraordinary progression for the fifth-grade student, who first gained national recognition earlier this year after winning the Youth 12 (Y12) sabre division at the USA Fencing North American Cup, one of the sport’s most prestigious national competitions.
Standing atop the podium in Peru while the American flag was raised and the national anthem played was a moment that Sana and her supporters will never forget.
Her success reflects years of dedication, discipline, and support from the people and organizations that have helped her pursue her goals both inside and outside the classroom.
At the center of that support has been Frisco Fencing Academy and Head Coach Christopher Slaughter, whose training and mentorship have helped Sana develop into a championship-caliber athlete.
Equally important has been the continued support of Founders Classical Academy – Frisco, where educators have worked alongside Sana and her family to help her successfully balance rigorous academics with an equally demanding training and competition schedule.
“Sana continues to demonstrate the same qualities in the classroom that have made her successful in competition: discipline, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence,” said Tara Chamberlain, Headmaster at Founders Classical Academy – Frisco. “We are incredibly proud of her accomplishments and grateful for the opportunity to support students as they pursue their passions and discover their potential.”
Sana’s success also highlights the role the Frisco community continues to play in developing young athletes. Often referred to as one of the nation’s premier destinations for youth sports, Frisco has built a culture that encourages students to pursue excellence across a wide range of athletic and academic opportunities.
For Sana, that support has helped transform a dream into an international championship.
Her journey from local competitions in Texas to the top of an international podium serves as a powerful reminder of what can happen when talented students are surrounded by a strong community, dedicated coaches, supportive schools, and opportunities to pursue their passions.
As Sana continues her fencing journey, her accomplishments are already inspiring other young athletes to believe that they, too, can compete and succeed on the world stage.
To learn more about Founders Classical Academy – Frisco or to enroll, visit Founders-Frisco.com.
