Kathy Zucker
@kathyzucker.bsky.social
Author. Founder. Mother of 3. Fencer. Columbia University graduate. Shorty Awards winner and now judge. ✨✨✨ www.kathyzucker.com
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Kathy Zucker
@kathyzucker.bsky.social
· Jan 7
Last summer, the kids and I went to the beach and walked past a waterfront wedding. The bridal party walked to and from a beachfront ceremony via a boardwalk restaurant. I tried to replicate the wedding supplies to help my kids through their journey into adulthood.
December 10, 2025 at 5:13 AM
Last summer, the kids and I went to the beach and walked past a waterfront wedding. The bridal party walked to and from a beachfront ceremony via a boardwalk restaurant. I tried to replicate the wedding supplies to help my kids through their journey into adulthood.
I keep camping chairs indoors to use with handmade cushions and slipcovers for additional seating. Camping equipment is sturdy, comfortable, portable, and takes up very little space in a city apartment. For over a century, Waverly fabrics have provided reliable gender-neutral American patterns.
December 7, 2025 at 2:46 PM
I keep camping chairs indoors to use with handmade cushions and slipcovers for additional seating. Camping equipment is sturdy, comfortable, portable, and takes up very little space in a city apartment. For over a century, Waverly fabrics have provided reliable gender-neutral American patterns.
Distance is critical in fencing. Tall fencers need to stay farther away. Muscle arrives with puberty, so youth fencing is largely defensive. Over the last year, I have been working with Eleanor to develop the muscles she needs to make long attacks since she is clearly going to be a tall fencer.
December 4, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Distance is critical in fencing. Tall fencers need to stay farther away. Muscle arrives with puberty, so youth fencing is largely defensive. Over the last year, I have been working with Eleanor to develop the muscles she needs to make long attacks since she is clearly going to be a tall fencer.
My family came to a large tournament to cheer for the kids I coach. Eleanor arrived early in the morning to fence with her friends, and then my husband brought an afternoon group. Youth competitions are difficult to coach since the kids have growth spurts while facing tall and short opponents.
December 1, 2025 at 2:58 PM
My family came to a large tournament to cheer for the kids I coach. Eleanor arrived early in the morning to fence with her friends, and then my husband brought an afternoon group. Youth competitions are difficult to coach since the kids have growth spurts while facing tall and short opponents.
I carry a tiny polka dot shoulder bag containing a test weight, repair tools, and a portable fencing scoring system. You have less than a minute to tighten loose screws before a bout or you risk getting carded. The kids are largely self-sufficient – they know where to find me when they need me.
November 28, 2025 at 6:54 AM
I carry a tiny polka dot shoulder bag containing a test weight, repair tools, and a portable fencing scoring system. You have less than a minute to tighten loose screws before a bout or you risk getting carded. The kids are largely self-sufficient – they know where to find me when they need me.
Eleanor and I brought two dozen freshly baked bagels to a regional fencing tournament where I coached 8 kids for 11 hours. Carbohydrates are extremely important during long competitions since they break down into sugar over several hours. Fruit, water, candy, and cookies provide immediate energy.
November 26, 2025 at 1:27 AM
Eleanor and I brought two dozen freshly baked bagels to a regional fencing tournament where I coached 8 kids for 11 hours. Carbohydrates are extremely important during long competitions since they break down into sugar over several hours. Fruit, water, candy, and cookies provide immediate energy.
I observe kids ages 10-19 in practice and competition and then present my findings to the parents and coaches along with improvement suggestions. The tweaks are small and easily fixed. Mark Masters is teaching me what to look for and has recommended books that provide moments of enlightenment.
November 23, 2025 at 1:10 AM
I observe kids ages 10-19 in practice and competition and then present my findings to the parents and coaches along with improvement suggestions. The tweaks are small and easily fixed. Mark Masters is teaching me what to look for and has recommended books that provide moments of enlightenment.
Food is a major factor in all my planning. I bring extra bananas, cookies, and water to tournaments for friends. I cook extra food before I travel for home microwave meals plus cooler items that Eleanor can get for herself while I teach. Afterwards, I buy fresh food to drop off at the college dorm.
November 19, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Food is a major factor in all my planning. I bring extra bananas, cookies, and water to tournaments for friends. I cook extra food before I travel for home microwave meals plus cooler items that Eleanor can get for herself while I teach. Afterwards, I buy fresh food to drop off at the college dorm.
Parents have been approaching me to ask for advice about their kids' athletic futures. Youth-12 fencers are 2-4 years away from being fully grown – you can get a sense of their future capabilities under the right conditions. Using the data from this timeframe, I put together a development plan.
November 16, 2025 at 6:21 AM
Parents have been approaching me to ask for advice about their kids' athletic futures. Youth-12 fencers are 2-4 years away from being fully grown – you can get a sense of their future capabilities under the right conditions. Using the data from this timeframe, I put together a development plan.
For years, Josh has been requesting pieces of Jedi weaponry and armor as birthday and holiday gifts. I helped him pull together a Halloween costume using clothing he already owns. I also hand sewed an adjustable velvet tabard. My son now has a collection of options he can carry into adulthood.
November 13, 2025 at 5:58 AM
For years, Josh has been requesting pieces of Jedi weaponry and armor as birthday and holiday gifts. I helped him pull together a Halloween costume using clothing he already owns. I also hand sewed an adjustable velvet tabard. My son now has a collection of options he can carry into adulthood.
Eleanor brought a giant variety bag of candy to fencing practice to celebrate with her friends. She also carries an assortment of Asian fruit candies for energy boosts. I am in constant communication with all three of my children as we figure out what food our family needs over long time periods.
November 10, 2025 at 5:25 AM
Eleanor brought a giant variety bag of candy to fencing practice to celebrate with her friends. She also carries an assortment of Asian fruit candies for energy boosts. I am in constant communication with all three of my children as we figure out what food our family needs over long time periods.
Fencing bouts – especially in épée – can be grueling. Some events run past midnight. Bringing enough food and drinks to keep your energy levels high is a critical component to success. I always travel with sugar cookies since high-quality baked goods are extremely difficult to source away from home.
November 7, 2025 at 5:13 AM
Fencing bouts – especially in épée – can be grueling. Some events run past midnight. Bringing enough food and drinks to keep your energy levels high is a critical component to success. I always travel with sugar cookies since high-quality baked goods are extremely difficult to source away from home.
I gave Emily a detailed list of actions to work on with her coaches. I used to work as an administrator at foil and saber world cups, and my husband competed in épée world cups. I was also eligible to compete in world cups. When top fencers provide feedback, that is an incredibly valuable resource.
November 4, 2025 at 5:31 AM
I gave Emily a detailed list of actions to work on with her coaches. I used to work as an administrator at foil and saber world cups, and my husband competed in épée world cups. I was also eligible to compete in world cups. When top fencers provide feedback, that is an incredibly valuable resource.
For the last two seasons, I have volunteered as a coach for the fencing club at my daughter's college. The program has strong fencers in all three weapons, including a former NCAA varsity athlete. The national competitors teach the beginners with remote assistance from experienced coaches.
November 1, 2025 at 4:14 AM
For the last two seasons, I have volunteered as a coach for the fencing club at my daughter's college. The program has strong fencers in all three weapons, including a former NCAA varsity athlete. The national competitors teach the beginners with remote assistance from experienced coaches.
Pears offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory health benefits. Thirty years ago, I perfected a pastry recipe involving a rich crust and custard filling. It is much faster than traditional fruit pies, and can be prepared with fresh or canned pears.
October 29, 2025 at 4:18 AM
Pears offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory health benefits. Thirty years ago, I perfected a pastry recipe involving a rich crust and custard filling. It is much faster than traditional fruit pies, and can be prepared with fresh or canned pears.
I invited Emily's college classmates to weekend visits at our home. USA Fencing region 3 has the highest concentration of strong regional tournaments. I buy extra prepared food and bake breakfast pastries with eggs, fruit, and sugar that help boost athletic performance on long days of competition.
October 26, 2025 at 4:26 AM
I invited Emily's college classmates to weekend visits at our home. USA Fencing region 3 has the highest concentration of strong regional tournaments. I buy extra prepared food and bake breakfast pastries with eggs, fruit, and sugar that help boost athletic performance on long days of competition.
I search for gourmet food destinations near fencing venues. After a long hot day involving multiple uniform changes, raspberry chocolate ice cream is a delicious cool treat. My family walks aisles filled with colorful displays and tries samples before making our final choices.
October 23, 2025 at 5:38 AM
I search for gourmet food destinations near fencing venues. After a long hot day involving multiple uniform changes, raspberry chocolate ice cream is a delicious cool treat. My family walks aisles filled with colorful displays and tries samples before making our final choices.
I plan fencing trips around food. I look for hotel amenities, reviews, and proximity to the venue and supermarkets. Eleanor is still learning how to compete, so I limit the events she enters. She swims, plays games with friends, and explores the surrounding area. The goal is for her to have fun.
October 20, 2025 at 4:05 AM
I plan fencing trips around food. I look for hotel amenities, reviews, and proximity to the venue and supermarkets. Eleanor is still learning how to compete, so I limit the events she enters. She swims, plays games with friends, and explores the surrounding area. The goal is for her to have fun.
One week ago, Emily and my husband went undefeated in first-round pools at a regional tournament. Eleanor also fenced extremely well. I coached both foil and épée events, helping kids who used to take classes with my family. Every minute is tightly scheduled at fencing tournaments.
October 17, 2025 at 4:06 AM
One week ago, Emily and my husband went undefeated in first-round pools at a regional tournament. Eleanor also fenced extremely well. I coached both foil and épée events, helping kids who used to take classes with my family. Every minute is tightly scheduled at fencing tournaments.
The breaststroke is powered by a kick that requires strength and flexibility in the hips, knees, and ankles. The motion is similar to an exercise that Maestro Mark Masters teaches fencers to open up their hips. Hip and knee injuries are common among female fencers – I monitor Eleanor for pain.
October 14, 2025 at 4:32 AM
The breaststroke is powered by a kick that requires strength and flexibility in the hips, knees, and ankles. The motion is similar to an exercise that Maestro Mark Masters teaches fencers to open up their hips. Hip and knee injuries are common among female fencers – I monitor Eleanor for pain.
Maestro Mark Masters coaches my daughters in foil and épée. His most famous students are Olympic gold medalist Maia Weintrub and men's épée world champion Graham Wicas. Whenever possible, I take Eleanor to work with Mark in Philadelphia. He advises me on what to teach next in fencing and swimming.
October 11, 2025 at 9:15 AM
Maestro Mark Masters coaches my daughters in foil and épée. His most famous students are Olympic gold medalist Maia Weintrub and men's épée world champion Graham Wicas. Whenever possible, I take Eleanor to work with Mark in Philadelphia. He advises me on what to teach next in fencing and swimming.
Emily introduced Eleanor to mango sago bowls after moving into her college dormitory. Mango and tapioca pudding are excellent recovery foods for athletes. Potassium helps restore electrolytes while easily digested carbohydrates provide calories to build muscle.
October 8, 2025 at 4:58 AM
Emily introduced Eleanor to mango sago bowls after moving into her college dormitory. Mango and tapioca pudding are excellent recovery foods for athletes. Potassium helps restore electrolytes while easily digested carbohydrates provide calories to build muscle.
Bananas, chocolate chips, and cocoa powder are nutrient-dense ingredients that hold permanent positions on my grocery list. Eleanor and I bake energy cake that stores well in the fridge and freezer. I have been experimenting for decades to find a recipe using leftover fruit in delicious baked goods.
October 5, 2025 at 4:14 AM
Bananas, chocolate chips, and cocoa powder are nutrient-dense ingredients that hold permanent positions on my grocery list. Eleanor and I bake energy cake that stores well in the fridge and freezer. I have been experimenting for decades to find a recipe using leftover fruit in delicious baked goods.
I keep my Ironman Triathlon watch attached to my handbag so I can be ready to teach at all times. I keep track of fencing and swimming practices plus wear the watch under a leather glove when I give lessons. I own multiple sets of leather fencing coach gear that I keep permanently ready to share.
October 2, 2025 at 4:08 AM
I keep my Ironman Triathlon watch attached to my handbag so I can be ready to teach at all times. I keep track of fencing and swimming practices plus wear the watch under a leather glove when I give lessons. I own multiple sets of leather fencing coach gear that I keep permanently ready to share.
I give private lessons to Eleanor and Josh that are tailored to fit what happens when they fence. It is difficult for me to switch between teaching foil and épée since many of the rules are the opposite. Eleanor is winning almost all of her bouts in practice, so our training regimen is working.
September 29, 2025 at 4:07 AM
I give private lessons to Eleanor and Josh that are tailored to fit what happens when they fence. It is difficult for me to switch between teaching foil and épée since many of the rules are the opposite. Eleanor is winning almost all of her bouts in practice, so our training regimen is working.