Houston native thrives in fencing at Temple University

October 8, 2026

Originally Published in The Jewish Herald-Voice HERE

English author Edward Bulwer-Lytton wrote in the mid-19th century that the pen is mightier than the sword.

That’s probably because he never had the opportunity to watch Houston native Eliana Geva compete in a fencing match.

Geva, 19, is beginning her sophomore season with the Temple University Women’s Fencing Team. The Owls are 11th in the preseason rankings.

Eliana Geva

“Fencing is an individual sport,” Geva said. “But Temple University takes the entire team to all of the tournaments, and we’re always there supporting each other.

“I had a really good season after missing the first two weeks with a concussion. Once I recovered, I came back and did really well.

“The biggest thing about fencing is confidence. I always say you have to have delusional confidence. That really makes or breaks your bout. If you go in ready, you can do big things.”

Geva was named Most Outstanding Fencer after a competition at Northwestern University, near Chicago, and finished 15th at the NCAA Regionals, which Temple hosted.

Although she’s very busy with competition while working toward a bachelor’s degree in sports media, Geva always finds time to prioritize her Jewish faith.

She grew up in the Spring Branch area, attending Chabad of West Houston. At Temple, she’s around a larger Jewish community and regularly attends the university’s Chabad. She also works at a Hebrew school once a week.

“If you know me, you know I’m Jewish,” Geva said. “In my specific high school (Stratford, in Spring Branch ISD), there weren’t a lot of Jewish people. I felt I wanted to be a good example since I was one of the only Jewish people my friends knew. I wanted them to think, ‘I know a Jewish person. She’s amazing, she’s nice, and she’s kind.’”

Geva recently joined Tribe NIL, a name, image, and likeness collective for Jewish athletes across the United States. Belonging has helped her connect with Jewish athletes in Philadelphia, around Texas, and those who compete in fencing.

Growing up, Geva had a strong family background in fencing. Her parents, Andrey and Natalia Geva, were born in the former Soviet Union and made aliyah to Israel. They didn’t meet until they were both living in the United States. The couple has owned Alliance Fencing Academy in West Houston for the past 25 years.

Geva’s two older brothers competed in fencing at Penn State, and her father coached the United States Olympic Team in both the 2016 and 2020 Olympics. Her mother handles the business side of the fencing school.

Geva began fencing at 5 years old and credits her father with helping her become the competitor she is today.

“He taught me everything I know and has made a huge impact,” Geva said. “He encouraged me to surpass limits I didn’t know I could reach. I am so appreciative.”

Geva said moving from Houston to Philadelphia was a bit of a culture shock, and there are pros and cons.

“It’s definitely different than Houston,” Geva said. “It’s a very walkable city. I don’t really love the cold, but the snow is very pretty. It’s easy to get to the city from the Temple campus. It’s definitely an adjustment, but it’s very nice.”