Heartland Fencing Academy’s

Head Coach

Emilia Ivanova is an internationally trained fencing master with a proven ability to develop and produce world class athletes. Ms. Ivanova majored in Sport and Physical Education, trained at the Paris Fencing Academy, was a 7-time National Foil Champion of Bulgaria, and took the silver medal in the European Championships. She was head coach of the Bulgarian National Women’s Foil Team, where her students reached the World Championships in Holland, the European Championships in Austria, and even the 1996 Olympic Games!

For the last 8 years, “Coach Emi” has worked in Kansas City, and many of her students have medaled in regional tournaments, the North American Cup and the USFA Summer National Championships. Her students consistently place in the top tier of the young fencers in the United States. Several of Coach Emi’s students have earned fencing scholarships and continue their academic and athletic education at prestigious universities throughout the country.

Assistant Coach

Reynaldo Lopez has over 14 years in competitive fencing, receiving 2 Silver and 1 Bronze Medal at national championships in Cuba. He has competed twice in the World Cup and placed in the top 32. Coach Rey has recently returned to the competitive fencing circuit in the U.S., receiving medals in recent tournaments, and placing 13th at the latest Div II NAC.

Coach Rey is married, and a father of three. He has excellent teaching abilities with HFA's fencers, and is often the most energetic fan of HFA fencers at tournaments. Coach Rey's love for fencing shows in his interactions with HFA students, and while he competes. Whether on the coaching sidelines, or on the fencing strip, Coach Rey's enthusiasm will surely excite your interests in fencing!