Daria Schneider

Hello! I serve as the Head Coach of Harvard University’s men’s and women’s fencing teams.  My focus is competitive excellence and mentoring student-athletes as whole people. I am deeply committed to supporting young adults as they navigate the academic, personal, and ethical challenges of college life, and I see mentorship as a responsibility that extends well beyond the athletic arena.

Since 2004 I have served the Olympic and Paralympic movement as an advocate for athletes’ rights and athlete representation.  This work began for me after my first bid to qualify for an Olympic Team.  Sport, like any other arena, requires balances and checks on power.  In my current role I serve on the Olympic and Paralympic Board of Directors.  Alongside my fellow five athlete directors, on our board of eighteen total directors, I choose to center athletes in policy decisions, advocate for expansion of athlete voice and promote fair and ethical governance.  I am additionally committed to educating other athletes to understand their rights, engage in leadership, and advocate for themselves and others.

I co-parent two children ages four and eight, I am in a book club that has most recently enjoyed bangers such as Piranesi, Circe, and Autobiography of Red.  We are currently working our way through the second volume of On the Calculation of Volume.  In all my abundant spare time I am learning Salsa and Bachata (very slowly) at Havana club and attempting watercolor alongside my children.

On any team I’ve led or been a part of, I contribute to building an environment rooted in trust, respect, and open dialogue. I value listening, thoughtful conversation, and supporting students as they build their confidence in their values and decision-making. Whether supporting students through moments of challenge or celebrating their successes, I am a steady, engaged presence who encourages curiosity, accountability, and compassion.