Meet The Team

Matt is a Marine veteran who found purpose after being medically retired due to a battle with cancer. Initially aiming for a 20-year military career, he sought meaning in life through exercise. Inspired by the quote, "It is a disgrace to grow old through sheer carelessness before seeing what manner of man you may become by developing your bodily strength and beauty to their highest limit. But you cannot see that, if you are careless; for it will not come of its own accord," Matt embraced competitive powerlifting, earning a gold medal at his first event in his age and weight class.

His journey began with significant challenges; after chemotherapy and multiple surgeries, he could barely lift five pounds. The value of exercise became clear as the VA's sports therapy programs played a crucial role in his recovery. Motivated to give back, Matt volunteered to support fellow veterans in these initiatives. It was during a recreational therapy event with the Denver Fencing Center that he discovered his passion for fencing. He seized the chance to fence for the first time and became a member that day.

Coaching fencing has become one of the most fulfilling experiences of his life, allowing him to inspire others and promote the transformative power of exercise. Matt is grateful for the opportunity to serve the community in such a meaningful way.

Earning a Global MBA degree from Hult International Business School Boston Campus in 2020, Vivi is a visionary entrepreneur. Known for her remarkable achievements in creating two thriving business divisions within two distinct companies, starting from the ground up; she is a passionate problem solver who thrives on challenges and cross-cultural collaborations. Vivi started fencing in 2017 and has found a home working with the foundation which highlights her natural drive to help individuals reach their full potential. In an endeavor to continue growing in fencing, she earned a bronze medal in the Colorado Cup competition in 2023.

Jatáya Taylor, a medically retired Marine, found her life dramatically altered when a training accident in 2005 left her with severe shoulder and knee injuries, forcing her into a wheelchair by 2013. The loss of her active lifestyle led to depression and anxiety until she discovered adaptive sports, which rekindled her determination to live life to the fullest despite her physical challenges. In 2017, she had the left leg amputated through the knee which changed her life direction again. After participating in many different adaptive sports, she found fencing during a visit to the Denver Fencing Center with the Denver VAMC Recreation Therapy program in 2022. Jay quickly gained experience competing at national events and taking the international stage just months after beginning. She was named to the USA Parafencing 2023 World Team and has a number of top 16 finishes internationally. Seeing how fencing can positively affect someone’s life, Jay joined the Foundation to help others experience what she has.

Phil Baranoski is a Air Force Veteran. He wouldn’t tell us what Black Box projects that he worked on, so they must be top secret. He loves working with kids and technology. At the 2014 ROC of Rockies, he earned his ‘C’ rating. He has fenced national tournaments in both epee and foil. At April North American Cup, Phil earned his first National Medal in Vet 40 Men’s Epee with his 6th place finish. In his spare time, he like to work on computers, frequent Microcenter, and spending time with his cat.

Born in Barquisimeto, Lara, Venezuela, Hender's fencing journey began in 1986 after a curious venture with classmates to try it out. Over 37 years, he has earned national titles while proudly representing the Venezuelan National Team. Difficulties in Venezuela led him to Denver, where Nathan of the Denver Fencing Center offered an opportunity he embraced gratefully. Working alongside Nathan, Hender witnessed the club's potential, which led to his joining the Foundation. Beyond the strip, he is a proud father of three, with two children joining him in embracing fencing—a legacy weaving family bonds through this beautiful sport. This has brought the gift of diversity and determination he proudly shares with those he works with.

Chris Sauthoff is a versatile musician who started young and has traveled the world performing. He also practiced Kendo from 1990 until 2011, when he had a stroke. Chris earned his Black Belt while studying in Japan. After the stroke, he took a few years off and began fencing about ten years ago. Fencing became therapy for him, leading to an E rating in Saber and a C in Epée. Chris was also a Spirit of Sport Honoree in the 2019-2020 season and won two National bronze medals (epée/foil) and one silver (Saber). His journey to the Foundation started six years ago when he was asked to be a substitute coach, and he has been coaching ever since. Chris brightens the Foundation and its fencers with his creativity and shining personality.

Toriana entered the fencing world as a member of the University of Wyoming Fencing Club back in 2015. Ever since then, fencing has been a place where she has always felt welcomed and safe. She took on the role of coach and president of UWFC in 2017, and began to focus her talents towards making her club and the sport a safe place for marginalized groups, especially LGBTQ+ fencers like herself. Now Toriana works as a high school teacher and coach in the far northeast of Denver where she works to give students a safe place to build community and learn this amazing sport.