Alex RipaClaim this profile

Women's FencingAlex Ripa

Former Women's Fencing Head Coach

Brown University

NCAA DI • The Ivy League | NULL

1.4

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

3.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication

Brown is in much better hands now that we have a real coaching staff. Was an absolute disappointment. He belongs running a cult of blind followers, not coaching at any level. His personal club is great for children but don’t get stuck there as a serious athlete.

Women's FencingAlex Ripa

Former Women's Fencing Head Coach

Brown University

NCAA DI • The Ivy League | NULL

1.4

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• 
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• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

3.0

Honest

1.0

“Coach Alex” barely did any coaching. He missed tournaments, missed practices, and his favorite topic of discussion was himself. Not surprising that he was fired. Women’s team is in much better hands now, without him wasting our time.

Women's FencingAlex Ripa

Former Women's Fencing Head Coach

Brown University

NCAA DI • The Ivy League | NULL

1.2

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Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

2.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Coach Ripa really doesn’t care much about fencing. He’s more interested in himself than anything else. This guy is a major egomaniac, and really doesn’t want to work hard. A huge disappointment.

Women's FencingAlex Ripa

Former Women's Fencing Head Coach

Brown University

NCAA DI • The Ivy League | NULL

5.0

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• 

Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

HonestMotivationalKnows The GamePassionate About Coaching

I find myself continually reflecting on the profound impact of attending Coach Ripa's clinic. His wisdom transformed my approach to fencing in ways I couldn't have anticipated. The principles he shared with me during the clinic—mental toughness, integrity, process goals, and taking risks—particularly illustrated through a powerful story about his student's breakthrough at nationals, has reshaped how I prepare for every bout. I practice with renewed focus on process goals alongside outcomes, and I believe this shift will help me take smarter risks during crucial moments. Even his historical insights about equipment evolution have given me a deeper appreciation for our sport's traditions. It's this holistic approach to development that makes his coaching so distinctive.

Men's FencingAlex Ripa

Former Men's Fencing Head Coach

Brown University

5.0

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

CoolHonestKnowledgeableFair

Coach Ripa really helped me through some tough times while I was at Brown. I was going to quit fencing but he spent a lot of time talking with me and helped me figure out what I wanted. I thought it was pretty great of him that he continued to work with us on the men's team even after he was only rehired for the women's varsity team when they were reinstated after the stupid cut. I know he felt bad for the recruited fencers that had committed to Brown ahead of the cut and it was a really unfair position for us to be in.

Men's FencingAlex Ripa

Former Men's Fencing Head Coach

Brown University

4.8

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Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

4.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

HonestKnowledgeableFairRespectful To PlayersUnderstanding

Coach Ripa was one of the best coaches I have ever had and was a great mentor to me while I was at Brown. He understands fencing like no one else.

Women's FencingAlex Ripa

Former Women's Fencing Head Coach

Brown University

NCAA DI • The Ivy League | NULL

5.0

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• 

Would Recommend

Overall

5.0

Caring

5.0

Motivational

5.0

Knowledgeable

5.0

Honest

5.0

Tags

DirectHonestKnowledgeableDirectFairRespectful To Players

I worked with Coach Ripa on the team for four years and despite a lot of drama and administrative setbacks, he always led our team with integrity and really cared. When I first started, many fencers didn't take our practices seriously, but he created a culture of accountability and respect. His understanding of fencing was phenomenal and I still think of lessons he taught me. He had a very direct approach and expected us to step up and take a lot of ownership in our training.

Men's FencingAlex Ripa

Former Men's Fencing Head Coach

Brown University

1.0

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• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication

He should just retire or be canned. He needs to be replaced with someone who cares about the job.

Women's FencingAlex Ripa

Former Women's Fencing Head Coach

Brown University

NCAA DI • The Ivy League | NULL

1.4

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• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

2.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

2.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

DisorganizedKnows The GamePoor Communication

Coach Ripa is a joke. He is lazy and does the minimum.

Women's FencingAlex Ripa

Former Women's Fencing Head Coach

Brown University

NCAA DI • The Ivy League | NULL

1.0

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

Would Recommend

Overall

1.0

Caring

1.0

Motivational

1.0

Knowledgeable

1.0

Honest

1.0

Tags

Poor Communication

Cares more about his title than doing his job. Really doesn’t seem interested in fencing or coaching. Is very interested in talking about himself and taking pictures of himself. Kind of a waste. And he doesn’t care if our team is good or not. Recruits from his own club with fencers who are mediocre. And double-dips by having Brown pay to use his club for practice. No work ethic, no ethics in general. Zero people skills.