Eric Mallet
​Head Coach and Founder

Maître Eric Mallet, the head coach and founder of Austin Fencers Club, is from Paris, France. Coach Eric competed at an international level in Europe for many years as a youth and junior fencer, before turning to coaching. He graduated in 1986 from France's prestigious Ecole Nationale de Maîtres d'Armes (the National School of Fencing Masters), where he earned a Master's Degree in Physical Education.

Coach Eric moved to Austin in 1991 to take up the position as head coach for the University of Texas fencing team, where he coached for 10 years. He founded Austin Fencers Club in 1992. 

​Coach Eric has coached many Austin-area fencers to success at the national and international levels, including National Championship and World Championship gold medals in multiple age groups and weapons.

Benjamin Parkins
​Coach

Coach Ben began fencing at age 8. His extensive competitive fencing resume includes an NCAA Championship in 2008 as part of The Ohio State University’s men’s foil team, as well as National Championships/National gold-medal finishes in in Cadet, Youth-14, Youth-12, and Youth-10 age groups. Ben has been a member of the US Senior, Junior, and Cadet world teams, representing the US internationally.
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In addition to coaching at Austin Fencers Club, Coach Ben co-founded EnGrd, a fencing brand community and online platform, with Race Imboden.

Thomas Hill
​Coach

After a successful collegiate fencing career as an undergraduate at the University of Texas, Coach Thomas joined the Marine Corps and served for 12 years as an Infantry Officer, holding operations positions both in the United States and overseas, with the Marine Corps and with the United States Army.

After his service, Thomas earned a Masters of Business Administration from St. Edward’s University.

In addition to coaching at Austin Fencers Club, Coach Thomas serves as a reserve officer with the US Army, and coaches Krav Maga.