“I think the main thing here is my love of the sport and the enthusiasm I bring in,” Brand said. “I think it’s infectious and it helps the athletes. Knowing that your coach cares not just about the sport but about you as a person helps their performance.”

Jackus notes another significant strength of Brand’s coaching style is his ability to apply the perfect degree of pressure on his athletes, in order for them to feel motivated rather than overwhelmed.

“He makes it clear that you have to work hard to get things done,” Jakus said. “He makes sure you’re in the right mindset without putting too much pressure on you.”

So it comes as no surprise that with such an impressive background, an amazing passion for the sport, and his strengths as a coach, that Brand received the 2005 Schreff Sword. Along with the award comes a great deal of respect from fellow colleagues, which Brand ultimately suggests is the most honorable aspect of receiving the hardware.

“I think having that respect is a great honor for me, especially because I know them all very well as individuals,” Brand said. “Having their recognition means a great deal to me.”

“I am thrilled to have been chosen as the first recipient of this wonderful USFCA award by my colleagues across the U.S.,” said Brand at a press release shortly after accepting the award.

Freshman Emily Cross says that the award has been a work in progress and is extremely deserved.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Cross said. “He’s been working hard to develop this team, and he’s always been very committed. I think he definitely deserves it, and he’s worked hard for it.

“I am glad that all of his hard work is being recognized,” she added.

“At this point we have arrived,” Brand said, referring to his original five-year plan. But Brand remains confident that although he has succeeded in his original goals, the progress of the team will not stop here.

His impact on the squad within the past six years has been astounding, as he has carried the once-mediocre program into a state of national recognition.

Jakus notes that Brand’s overall contribution to the team has been highly positive.

“He sets the tone perfectly for the team in terms of getting us motivated and reaching our full potential,” Jakus said. “He makes sure we can succeed at a top level.”

The fencers’ performances this year have validated Brand’s five-year plan, but why stop there? Now his old plan can be retired, clearing the way for another of his visions for the future.