Western Reserve Academy

Coach Neil Mittal brings extensive fencing experience to Western Reserve Academy. With a distinguished and broad background, Coach Mittal is dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering growth among his athletes.

Competing nationally as a Cadet, Junior and Senior, Coach Mittal has achieved significant accolades, including being an alternate to the U17 Men's Epee team, a semi-finalist at the Junior Olympics and a champion in multiple divisions, including the Southwest Section Epee and South Texas Division Foil. He also excelled in the Michigan State Games, securing titles in both Veterans and Open categories for Epee.

Coach Mittal's coaching career spans from 1998 to the present, where he has worked at private clubs in Texas, Michigan and Ohio. He holds a Prevot certificate in foil and epee, equivalent to a Masters level with a focus on athlete development. His coaching experience includes guiding youth to adult fencers in all three weapons.

On campus, Coach Mittal teaches Math and Computer Science, and serves as an advisor and club sponsor for Math, Computer Science, Girls Who Code, Badminton and Desi Affinity groups. He grew up in South Texas, where he attended Trinity University, earning both his BA and MAT degrees. Coach Mittal and his wife live on campus with their cats.

Coach Mittal’s coaching philosophy emphasizes individual growth, self-awareness and collaboration. He believes that creativity and analysis are crucial for success, and that the contributions of each team member enhance the overall performance of the team.