CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Dr. G. Anthony Grant, Director of Athletics and DAPER Department Head at MIT, has officially announced the hiring of Arpad Horvath as head coach of the men's and women's fencing programs at MIT.
"Arpi's appointment reflects both continuity and forward trajectory for MIT fencing," said Dr. Grant. "During his time at MIT, Arpi has demonstrated his ability to elevate the performance of the student-athletes across both programs while fostering a culture of discipline, resilience, and academic balance that aligns with the Institute's mission. His collegiate and international success as a highly decorated fencer, combined with a proven track record of developing fencers at every level, makes him uniquely suited to lead our program and build on the impactful legacy established by Coach Jarek Koniusz."
Previously the epee coach at MIT from 2010-2012, Horvath was named the program's interim head coach in September 2025 while Koniusz was on sabbatical. Upon Koniusz's return in January 2026, Horvath remained on the coaching staff as an assistant coach during the spring. He will now guide the program forward as its head coach.
"This is a special place with tremendous potential, and I'm honored to be named the next head coach," said Horvath. "My focus will always be on developing our student-athletes, helping them grow as competitors and students while engineering some victories and building toward championships."
Under Horvath guidance, MIT opened last season at the Coach Nikki Franke Classic where the women's team recorded the best individual performance in program history while the men's team was one spot shy of tying the best individual showing. Competing at The Big One Invitational, both teams claimed five medals while the women's squad earned individual titles in epee and foil. At the Beanpot, both teams defeated Brandeis. The Engineers wrapped up the fall semester at the Carla-Mae Richards Invitational where the men's team picked up two wins, and the women's team compiled a 4-2 record.
Horvath has been the co-owner and head coach of Vivo Fencing Club since 2012. Simultaneously, he was the epee coach at Brandeis University from 2015-2022. Horvath's intercollegiate coaching career began in 2005 with a two-year stint as the epee coach at Stevens Institute of Technology. His previous coaching experience includes five years as the epee head coach at North Shore Fencers Club and two years as the foil coach at the Manhattan Fencing Center.
As a coach, Horvath helped guide Alex House, a Junior World Team member, to first place at the 2013 North American Cup. He mentored Isabella DiTella of the Argentine National Team, guided teams to top placements in cadet, junior, and collegiate events, and developed youth athletes who achieved podium finishes at the Junior Olympics and Summer Nationals.
A graduate of St. John's University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance, Horvath was a two-time NCAA Champion in 2002 and 2004. He was the 1997 World and European Men's Epee Champion, and he was a member of medal-winning teams at the Junior World Championships and World University Games. In addition, Horvath captured multiple Hungarian National Epee and Foil Championships.
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