Francesca Bassa Class: Junior Hometown: Houston, Texas High School: St. Agnes Academy Height: 5-7 Weapon: Women's Epee (right hand)

As a sophomore in 2011: NCAA Western Region Tournament champion ... fifth-place finish at the NCAA Championships in epee.

As a Freshman in 2010: Placed second in the 2009 Junior World Cup Helsinki ... awarded silver in 2010 Junior Pan-American Championships ... placed third in North American Cups C&D in Division 1 ... received sixth place at 2010 Junior National Championships ... became the 2010 Western Regional Champion ... made an eighth place finish at the 2010 NCAA Championships ... and was a 2010 Junior Team gold medalist ... placed eighth in individuals and team won bronze medal in the 2010 Senior Pan-American Championships ... preseason was the current FIE ranking junior (6th in world) and FIE ranking senior (80th in world).

High School and Personal: A 2009 graduate of St. Agnes Academy in Houston, Texas ... seven-time national champion ... two-time Junior Olympic Gold Medalist Cadet (2007 & 2008) ... received bronze medal in 2008 Junior World Championships Team ... ranked No. 1 Fencer in U.S. at the end of 2008 ... placed third at 2008 Senior National Championships.

Daughter of Giorgio and Maria Bussa ... enjoys hanging out with friends, eating lots of chocolate, and has a dog named Alessandro.