Turkish National Team standout becomes the first Turkish female foil fencer to compete in NCAA Division I while emerging as a leader, mentor, and advocate for international student-athletes at UC San Diego.
LA JOLLA, Calif. | For many student-athletes, leaving home for college means moving a few hours away. For UC San Diego fencing standout Zehra Anbarlilar, it meant crossing an ocean.
The Istanbul native arrived in Southern California at just 18 years old with no campus visit, no local support system, and no guarantee that life thousands of miles from home would unfold as she had imagined. What she did bring was elite fencing experience, unwavering determination, and a vision of combining world-class academics with high-level athletic competition.
As she enters her senior year, the Turkish National Team member has already etched her name into collegiate fencing history as the first Turkish female foil fencer to compete in NCAA Division I, while simultaneously becoming a mentor, advocate, and leader for international student-athletes navigating the challenges she once faced.
A Leap of Faith Across the Atlantic
Growing up in Istanbul, Anbarlilar initially seemed firmly rooted in Turkey. As a member of the Turkish National Team, she was already competing on some of Europe’s biggest stages and helping Turkey earn a silver medal at the European Championships.
Yet she wanted more than athletic success.
She wanted an education that could challenge her academically while allowing her to continue competing at an elite level.
After researching universities across the United States, UC San Diego quickly emerged as her top choice.
Without ever setting foot on campus, she committed to the university and embarked on one of the biggest decisions of her life.
That decision would ultimately transform her future.
Fencing Became the Foundation
Anbarlilar’s journey into fencing began unexpectedly at age eight when a physical education teacher encouraged her to try the sport because of her height and athletic ability.
What started as a simple recommendation soon became a passion.
By age 10, she was competing nationally. A few years later, she was traveling across Europe representing Turkey in an international competition.
Those early experiences shaped far more than her athletic career.
Competing abroad without parental supervision taught independence, discipline, adaptability, and confidence—qualities that would prove invaluable when she eventually moved halfway around the world.
The lessons learned through fencing helped ease the transition to life in California, where she quickly found a welcoming community within UC San Diego’s fencing program and the broader Triton Athletics family.
Turning Personal Challenges Into Leadership
Like many international students, Anbarlilar quickly discovered that adjusting to life in the United States involved much more than attending classes and training sessions.
Navigating visa requirements, employment regulations, taxes, and unfamiliar administrative systems created challenges that many domestic students never encounter.
Instead of simply overcoming those obstacles herself, she chose to help others do the same.
Whether explaining visa procedures, helping teammates understand work restrictions, or guiding newcomers through the transition process, she has developed a reputation as a leader who understands the unique challenges of living and competing far from home.
Her leadership role expanded through the Triton Athletic Council (TAC), where she served first as fundraising chair before advancing to vice president.
Those positions allowed her to advocate for international athletes while helping strengthen connections across the athletic department.
Representing Turkey on the NCAA Stage
One of Anbarlilar’s most impactful initiatives involved increasing visibility for international athletes.
She played a key role in advocating for the display of national flags during media days and athletic events, giving international competitors an opportunity to proudly showcase their heritage while representing UC San Diego.
The initiative resonated deeply throughout Triton Athletics.
For athletes competing thousands of miles from home, seeing their country represented became a powerful reminder that their cultural identity remained an important part of their journey.
For Anbarlilar, representing Turkey has become one of her proudest accomplishments.
While she acknowledges the challenges of being an international student-athlete, she embraces the opportunity to serve as both a Triton and an ambassador for her home country.
Building Success Beyond Athletics
While continuing to compete at a high level in NCAA Division I fencing, Anbarlilar has also established an impressive academic and professional foundation.
Initially pursuing neuroscience, she eventually discovered a passion for machine learning, analytics, and problem-solving.
Today, she majors in Cognitive Science with a specialization in Machine Learning while minoring in Business Analytics.
Her growing interest in technology and innovation recently earned her a product management internship with Chobani in New York, a significant step toward her long-term career ambitions.
The skills she developed through fencing continue to influence every aspect of her professional growth.
Elite fencing demands rapid decision-making, strategic thinking, adaptability, and mental resilience—traits increasingly valued in today's technology and business sectors.
A Legacy That Extends Beyond Medals
Perhaps the most meaningful reflection of Anbarlilar’s impact is the example she has set for others.
Inspired by her success at UC San Diego, her younger brother is set to join the Tritons as a fellow fencer, continuing a family journey that began years ago in Turkey.
But Anbarlilar’s legacy extends well beyond family.
Through mentorship, advocacy, leadership, and athletic achievement, she has helped create a stronger support system for future generations of international student-athletes.
Her story is not simply about fencing.
From Istanbul to La Jolla, Zehra Anbarlilar has proven that success is not measured solely by championships or rankings, but by the lasting impact made on the people and communities around you.
As she prepares for her final season with the Tritons, her influence continues to grow—both on the fencing strip and far beyond it.
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-- By Michael R. Thomas
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