What does a verbal commitment mean in college fencing recruiting?

A verbal commitment is an informal agreement between a recruit and a college program — the coach offers a spot on the team and the recruit agrees to attend. It is not legally binding on either side. The formal commitment happens when the athlete signs the National Letter of Intent (NLI) in senior year. Verbal commitments in fencing often happen in junior year.

Key Points

• Verbal commitments are not legally binding — either party can back out
• Fencing verbal commitments typically happen in 11th grade (junior year)
• The National Letter of Intent (NLI) is the binding document, signed in senior year
• Ivy League schools use 'likely letters' instead of traditional verbal commitments
• Once verbally committed, continue performing — coaches can rescind offers

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