Dennis Kolakowski is set to enter his sixth season on the Northwestern University fencing staff in 2025-26. A two-time Central Collegiate Fencing Conference (CCFC) Assistant Coach of the Year honoree, Kolakowski, who joined the 'Cats in December of 2020, serves as an assistant coach and works primarily with the team's sabre squad.
Since his arrival in Evanston, four Wildcat sabreists have brought home All-American distinction from the United States Fencing Coaches Association (USFCA). That group includes two-time All-American Sky Miller, who secured a program-best runner-up finish at the 2021 NCAA Championships. Spearheaded by Miller's showing, Northwestern placed third overall amongst women's program's, marking the program's top NCAA finish. For his efforts, Kolakowski was tabbed both Women's Team Assistant Coach of the Year by both the USFCA and the Central Collegiate Fencing Conference (CCFC).
A two-time CCFC Women's Team Assistant Coach of the Year honoree, Kolakowski's athletes have impressed at the conference level, winning a trio of sabre team conference titles (2021, 2024, 2025). The 2024 campaign was a banner season for Kolakowski, as Northwestern's sabre team finished a perfect 6-0 en route to helping lead the 'Cats to the program's first outright CCFC team championship in program history. Kolakowski's sabreists were just as impressive during the individual section of the league meet, as five 'Cats finished on the podium, a quintet led by first-year Adele Bois, who stormed to the league title in the event.
Prior to Northwestern, Kolakowski, a USA Fencing Spirit of Sport award winner, previously ran the Kolakowski Sabre Academy and The Phoenix Center in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He coached for over 20 years in the New York City/Tri-State Area, winning both the Nassau County Coach of the Year and the Costello Award for Outstanding Long Island High School Coach on three separate occasions.
During his coaching career, Kolakowski’s students have won over 50 national medals across multiple age groups, genders, divisions, and weapons. His students have competed in a multitude of international events, highlighted by a gold medal at the 2019 Maccabi Games in Budapest.
In addition to running his own academy in the U.S., Kolakowski has experience as a coach on the international level and as a referee abroad as well. As an owner, his club won the 2019 USA Fencing Club of Excellence award following his efforts to grow the sport for women as well as promoting diversity within fencing. He has served many communities in the sport having been President of the Nassau County Coaches Association, having served as a Division Officer in three different divisions during his travels and has been a member of the Division Resource Team for USA Fencing.
Since his arrival in Evanston, four Wildcat sabreists have brought home All-American distinction from the United States Fencing Coaches Association (USFCA). That group includes two-time All-American Sky Miller, who secured a program-best runner-up finish at the 2021 NCAA Championships. Spearheaded by Miller's showing, Northwestern placed third overall amongst women's program's, marking the program's top NCAA finish. For his efforts, Kolakowski was tabbed both Women's Team Assistant Coach of the Year by both the USFCA and the Central Collegiate Fencing Conference (CCFC).
A two-time CCFC Women's Team Assistant Coach of the Year honoree, Kolakowski's athletes have impressed at the conference level, winning a trio of sabre team conference titles (2021, 2024, 2025). The 2024 campaign was a banner season for Kolakowski, as Northwestern's sabre team finished a perfect 6-0 en route to helping lead the 'Cats to the program's first outright CCFC team championship in program history. Kolakowski's sabreists were just as impressive during the individual section of the league meet, as five 'Cats finished on the podium, a quintet led by first-year Adele Bois, who stormed to the league title in the event.
Prior to Northwestern, Kolakowski, a USA Fencing Spirit of Sport award winner, previously ran the Kolakowski Sabre Academy and The Phoenix Center in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. He coached for over 20 years in the New York City/Tri-State Area, winning both the Nassau County Coach of the Year and the Costello Award for Outstanding Long Island High School Coach on three separate occasions.
During his coaching career, Kolakowski’s students have won over 50 national medals across multiple age groups, genders, divisions, and weapons. His students have competed in a multitude of international events, highlighted by a gold medal at the 2019 Maccabi Games in Budapest.
In addition to running his own academy in the U.S., Kolakowski has experience as a coach on the international level and as a referee abroad as well. As an owner, his club won the 2019 USA Fencing Club of Excellence award following his efforts to grow the sport for women as well as promoting diversity within fencing. He has served many communities in the sport having been President of the Nassau County Coaches Association, having served as a Division Officer in three different divisions during his travels and has been a member of the Division Resource Team for USA Fencing.