Licensed clinical psychologist, mental performance consultant, and lifelong fencer Dr. Nicole Polanichka joins First to 15 to break down the mental game of fencing. From butterflies in your stomach to sweaty palms, she explains why those pre-bout nerves aren’t your enemy — they’re your body preparing you to perform. Nicole shares her own journey as a Princeton varsity fencer and veteran competitor, offers tools to reframe anxiety as “go juice,” and gives practical routines for athletes, parents, and coaches to turn stress into strength.