The University of Toronto announced Monday that Varsity Blues fencing head coach Thomas Nguyen is stepping down, effective immediately.

"Thomas has been an integral part of the Varsity Blues family for more than 18 years," said Dalton Myers, Director, Interuniversity and High Performance Athletics. "His passion for fencing, commitment to student-athlete success and pursuit of excellence helped shape one of the most successful eras in our program's history. We thank him for everything he has done for our athletes and our community, and wish him every success in this next chapter."
 
Nguyen was named Varsity Blues head coach in 2009 and spent the next 18 seasons building one of the most successful fencing programs in the country. Under his leadership, U of T captured 20 OUA championship titles, including 11 men's banners and nine women's banners, highlighted by both teams winning provincial championships in 2025-26.

"I have learned and gained so much from and through the hundreds of athletes with whom I have had the pleasure to coach over the years," said Nguyen. "Being a part of and helping to guide them through their educational and athletic journey has been personally rewarding as well."
 
The Blues have been a dominant program under Nguyen's leadership. Along with the overall titles, U of T men have won the Charles Walter Trophy (foil champion) five-times, Desjarlais Trophy (epee champion) seven-times and Schwende-Tully Trophy (sabre champion) six-times. As well, the Varsity Blues women claimed the Maitre Ken Wood Trophy (foil champion) four-times, Dr. Alex English Trophy (epee champion) four-times and Fred Wach Trophy (sabre champion) twice. Under his leadership U of T women have received 50 OUA all-star honours, while the men have received 51.

Nguyen was named OUA coach of the year this year following the banner sweep and was a recipient of U of T's prestigious Arbor Award in 2018.

In addition to his work with the Varsity Blues, Nguyen also served as head coach for Team Canada at the 2019 FISU World Universiade in Naples. As well, he has served as an official at several international competitions including the 2018 Jr. Commonwealth Games and 2015 FISU Games.

"I would like to thank my predecessor, Maître Ken Wood, who decided to devote his time and efforts to developing me both as a fencer and later as a coach so many years ago," said Nguyen. "Additionally I was honoured to have worked with so many assistant coaches and staff who have shared the responsibilities to help propel the team through challenges and successes."