Fencing Welcomes Three to the Incoming Class of 2030
6/25/2026
Brown Fencing head coach Kai Liu has announced the three-member Class of 2030 that will be joining the Bears in the fall.
“I’m excited to welcome the great class of 2030 fencers to Brown," Liu said. "With the addition of Bush, Liu, and Yang, Brown fencing will continue to reach new heights and strengthen our culture of dedication, hard work, and friendship.”
Scroll to find an in-depth look at each new Bear below.
Emma Bush
Epee | 5-7 | Poway, Calif. | Poway
Before Brown: AP Scholar with Distinction. NHS Member. USA Fencing First Team Athletic All-American (2023, 2024, 2025). USA Fencing Academic All American First Team (2023, 2024, 2025). San Diego Fencing Team Member. Girls Golf Rookie of the Year in 2023. Girls Golf MVP (2023, 2024, 2025). 2023 Drive Chip and Putt National Finalist.
Personal: Daughter of Jeffrey and Jennifer Bush. Father graduated from Yale in 1994 and mother graduated from Princeton in 1996. Sister Kinsey attends Emory University.
Why Brown: "I chose Brown because of opportunities provided by the Open Curriculum. I love the idea of getting to dive deep into the topics that I am passionate about, without the fear of failing or not meeting my requirements."
Sydney Liu
Sabre | 5-4 | Millbrae, Calif. | The Nueva School
Before Brown: National Merit Scholarship Winner. President's Volunteer Service Young Adult Gold Award. College Board National Recognition Program - School Recognition Award. Shortlisted for the Beamline For Schools Competition. 5th - 2025 Summer Nationals - Div1A Women’s Saber. 1st - 2025 May SJCC - Junior Women’s Saber. 1st - 2025 April North American Cup - Junior Women’s Saber Teams. 1st - 2024 Sofia, Bulgaria World Cup - Cadet Women’s Saber Teams. 16th - 2024 October North American Cup - Div1 Women’s Saber.
Personal: Father - Gary Liu. Mother - Janice Ko.
Why Brown?: "Everybody that I've met who has gone/is going to Brown has told me they love it and that the community is really passionate and supportive. Additionally, probably like many others, I found the open curriculum was really interesting and unique."
Lea Yang
Sabre | 5-4 | Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. | Palos Verdes
BEFORE BROWN: AP Scholar with Distinction ... National Merit Commended Scholar ... USA Fencing Three-Time (2023, 2024, 2025) All-American First Team ... USA Fencing Three-Time (2023, 2024, 2025) All-Academic First Team.
PERSONAL: Daughter of Jin Yang (father) and Stephanie Kim (mother) ... Has one sibling - Philip.
WHY BROWN?: "I chose Brown because of the welcoming and supportive community, open curriculum, academic freedom."
