A veteran of national and international fencing competitions Nikki Franke has medaled in the Pan-American Games and was the U.S. Fencing Association’s national champion in 1975 and 1980.

But Nikki Franke’s greatest contribution to her sport has been as a coach. She has guided Temple University to 13 consecutive appearances in the NCAA Championships and was named Women’s Fencing Coach of the Year in 1987.

Nikki Franke, a graduate of Brooklyn College, holds a master’s degree and doctorate in health education.

Photo courtesy of Hard Road to Glory, Nikki Franke