Our Coaches
Hector Florencia
Head Coach & Owner of Granville Fencing Academy
Coach Hector Florencia is the owner and head coach of Granville Fencing Academy, bringing over 20 years of experience as both an elite competitor and coach. A former member of the Mexican National Team (2012-2018), he competed in World Cups and World Championships, earning a Top 7 Junior World Ranking (2012-2016), multiple World Cup medals, and an 8th-place finish at the 2014 Junior World Championships.
He earned a B.S. in Sports Industry from The Ohio State University, competing on an athletic scholarship and representing the Buckeyes at the NCAA National Championships. Before founding Granville Fencing Academy, he spent five years leading Frisco Fencing Academy, coaching students to national-level success.
Coach Florencia’s approach emphasizes technical excellence, strategic development, and mental resilience, fostering a supportive yet competitive training environment. At Granville Fencing Academy, he is committed to developing fencers of all levels, from beginners to national competitors.
Jeannine Snow
Coach Jeannine Snow, assistant coach at Granville Fencing Academy, is a certified coach in all three fencing weapons and a Level 5 National US Fencing referee. A former competitor in both foil and epee, she was a member of the Northern Ohio Division (NOD) Women’s Epee Team, earning a Top 11 finish at the 2002 Summer Nationals and multiple medals at Great Lakes Sectionals and NOD events.
She began her academic career on a piano performance scholarship at the D’Angelo School of Music at Mercyhurst College, later earning a BAC in Communication and an M.Ed. in Kinesiology from Bowling Green State University (BGSU). At BGSU, she spent a decade teaching fencing, kinesiology, and motor learning, coaching students to national competitions, co-founding the BG Team Cups and BG Classic, and mentoring youth fencers. One of her students, Tony Laurene, later founded the Clashing Swords Fencing Club in Northeast Ohio.
In 2002, Coach Snow was certified at the US Olympic Training Center under coaches Alex Beguinet, Ed Wright, and Michael Marx. That same year, she earned her Level 5 referee status with Jeff Bukantz as her evaluator and mentorship from Derek Cotton and Charles Greene.
Hiler Suárez
Coach Hiler Suárez brings over 20 years of experience as a sabre specialist, both as an athlete and coach. Originally from Venezuela, he has coached national teams in Venezuela and Bolivia, guiding athletes to national championships, South American medals, and podium finishes at Pan American events. Known for his disciplined and strategic approach, Coach Suárez creates a focused and motivating environment that fosters both competitive success and personal growth. He believes that in every bout, the goal is not only to win, but to become the best version of oneself.