Forging Her Path: Magda Skarbonkiewicz ’28 on Confidence, Competition, and Career Ambitions

Fencing as a Foundation for the Future

When Magda Skarbonkiewicz ’28 fi rst stepped onto the strip as a Division I fencer at Notre Dame, she knew she was chasing more than just medals. With an Olympic qualifying campaign already behind her and now an NCAA Championship and Junior World Championship titles with her teammates under her belt, Skarbonkiewicz has learned that true success lies not only in individual achievement, but also in community, growth, and paving the way forward for others, especially as she sets her sights on the world of business.   Sharpening Skills Through Collegiate Fencing “It’s been amazing!!” Skarbonkiewicz says when asked about her time as a student-athlete at Notre Dame. “I love the team I’m on and I love that I have so many people that have my back and are in constant support of me.” As part of the NCAA championship-winning fencing team, Skarbonkiewicz has found a unique balance between personal excellence and team success. “Winning NCAAs with a team is a whole different feeling compared to winning something individually. It’s special,” she says. Her athletic journey has been more than just a path to podiums, it’s been a crucible for growth. Fencing has taught her how to lead, how to make split-second decisions under pressure, and how to hold herself accountable amid constant travel and academic demands. “Fencing has almost been a 'real world prep' that got me ready for not only college but eventually my future beyond it,” she reflects.   From Individuality to Leadership Before college, Skarbonkiewicz often felt pressure to conform. “When I was younger, I was known for having an 'eccentric' fencing style. I went through a point where I almost decided to conform… but once I figured out that it benefited me, I used it to my advantage.” That decision to lean into her unique strengths proved to be a turning point, not just in competition, but in life. “All of this has given me a lot of grit, determination, and confidence in being authentic to myself,” she says. Today, Skarbonkiewicz credits the Notre Dame community with helping her reframe her mindset from a black-and-white focus on results to one of growth and resilience. “Coming into Notre Dame helped shape my confidence immensely… I’m not only fencing for myself anymore, but for a team where I’ll always have their back and I know they’ll have mine.”   Exploring Business with an Open Mind Although she’s still exploring specific career options, Skarbonkiewicz sees business and particularly marketing and creative roles, as a natural extension of her talents. She’s also considering law school or a career as a sports agent. “I’m a super creative person outside of fencing,” she says, recalling the art commissions she completed in high school. Regardless of the path she takes, Skarbonkiewicz is confident that the mindset she’s built through fencing will serve her well. “If I set my mind to something and want to achieve it, I will. Fencing has given me a priceless set of skills… I’m still learning new ones every day.”   Female Leadership on and off the Strip As a female athlete excelling in a male-dominated sport and exploring a future in business, Skarbonkiewicz knows the importance of presence and perseverance. “I’ve been overlooked or secondary,” she admits. “But you have to make yourself present and known. People will probably try to pick at you for different problems… but you have to stand firm and be authentic to you.” She believes athletic experience offers powerful preparation for leadership roles. “Fencing creates situations where you have to step up, just like in leadership positions,” she says, recalling her final Junior World Championships where, after years of near-misses, she led her team to victory as Junior World Champions. “That just goes to show that oftentimes you will fail and fail and fail, but what matters is that you can dust yourself off and keep going.”   Looking Ahead: Authenticity as a Compass As Skarbonkiewicz looks to her post-college future, she’s holding onto one key lesson: authenticity matters. “Some of the best advice I received was to be authentic,” she says. “People are always going to respond to you best when your core leadership style is authentic to you.” Whether in business, law, or creative work, she’s committed to bringing her whole self to the table, driven by the confidence, discipline, and leadership shaped by her sport. “I still have a lot to learn,” she says. “But I’m excited to take the skills I’ve gained through fencing into the business world and to keep growing from there.”