Senior Spotlight: Quinn Duwelius, Fencing
4/16/2020
A five-year member of the Owls, Quinn Duwelius was the team captain for the fencing squad. Fighting back from a recurring injury and earning a fifth-year of eligibility, the Gales Ferry, Conn. native ended her career in cherry and white with a 116-70 record in dual play. After helping Temple sweep the team and weapons championships at the NIWFA Championships, Duwelius represented the Owls at the NCAA Mid-Atlantic/South Regional where she earned a career-high 10th place finish. Duwelius will graduate in May with a degree in psychology.
Owlsports.com caught up with Duwelius as she finishes her final semester at Temple.
In the book of your life, what’s the title of the Temple chapter? "Unexpectedly, Exactly What I Needed."
What’s the best part about being a member of the fencing team at Temple/what will you miss the most? The best part about being a member of Temple fencing is being a member of a sisterhood. When you join Temple fencing, you are joining a long line of powerful, incredible women who are now your family. You are valued for who you are and what you bring to the table. We all have a place and a purpose, and we are loved by one another. We support each other, fight for each other, and push each other in a positive direction. Our success is because we are truly a family, not just a team. I think that is what I will miss the most is seeing the rest of my team every day. They are crazy, so much fun, and some of the best people I have ever met. I can honestly say there are so many wonderful qualities each of them possess that amaze me. I will truly miss them.
What is your favorite memory of being a student-athlete at Temple? My favorite memory is FINALLY reaching Top-5 in the NATION with my teammates. That has been one of our goals for the past 5 years, if not longer. It felt amazing to finally reach that goal and show the Temple community, the fencing community, and the world that Temple fencing is a force to be reckoned with. We put in the blood, sweat, and tears for that accomplishment. I just feel very lucky that I was able to be present for that moment due to my fifth year. It was one of the many moments that really reinforced for me that taking an extra year was the right decision.
If you could give advice to your freshman year self, what would it be? I would say: don't you dare doubt yourself. You will achieve more than you could have ever imagined. You will go through very hard times that you will rise from stronger, wiser, and ready to take on whatever is to come. You will change so much over the next few years, but remember the unique things that make you you are the best qualities about you. Do not dim your light for anyone else.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Hopefully working as a Special Agent for a federal agency.
I would first like to thank my coach, Dr. Franke. She is the most incredible and inspiring woman, in addition to being a fabulous coach. I cannot thank her enough for helping me become the woman I am today. I would also like to thank our volunteer coach, Melissa. She bleeds cherry and white and is so dedicated to our team. Thank you to Amanda, our graduate extern. She is the glue who holds our team together and she has done a wonderful job. In addition, thank you Sam and the rest of the weight room staff. Sam cares so much for our team and always challenges us to lift heavier, run faster, and jump higher. Thank you to VJ and the Athletic Training staff. VJ held me together, as this season brought many physical challenges. He is truly the best AT ever! Thank you to Kelsey and the Resnick staff. Kelsey is always there to support us and help us with whatever we may need. Thank you to Da'Mon, our former Academic Advisor. Da'Mon started his journey at Temple when I started mine and he will always be a member of our family. In addition, thank you Dr. Coakley for helping us this year with our mental game, and a big thank you to my parents for supporting me in so many ways. Also, thank you to everyone in the athletic department and anyone else who has been a part of my journey. But most of all, thank you to my teammates. To the ones who were there when I first came to Temple to the ones who were just starting their own journey when I left, I'm so grateful for you all!Quinn Duwelius, Temple Fencing Class of 2020
