Along with every first- and second-year fencer in New Jersey, Kamali Thompson competed at Freshman, Sophomores in February 2005.
In her first year of the sport, the then-freshman at Teaneck High School watched her teammate finish third at the annual competition.
“She had a great day,” Thompson said. “She fenced really well. Everyone was watching her. She had a huge trophy, and I decided that I wanted to practice enough so I could get that next year.”
A year later, Thompson finished ninth at the event, missing a Top-8 finish by two touches. Following the competition, she found her passion.