For many of us, fencing has always been one of those daunting sports. The sheer idea of lunging towards someone with a sharp object, albeit thin and bendable, can be a wee bit terrifying. But for Jackie Dubrovich, it’s just another day at the office. Currently ranked 2nd in the country for the Women’s Foil Fencing team, Jackie is far from your average fencer. Fencing is her livelihood and you can bet that she’s excellent at it. As this week’s Hoboken Girl of the Week, find out about her fencing career, her goals for the year, her favorite local spots, and more. Keep reading to find out all about Hoboken Girl of the Week, Jackie Dubrovich.
Tell us about yourself.
I’m currently ranked 2nd in the country for Women’s Foil Fencing in the United States and am representing the US this summer at both the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary and the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru. I’m also training full-time for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.
Who is your biggest source of inspiration?
I’m always inspired by strong, female athletes who are relentless in their pursuit to achieving their dreams.
” I’ll know by April 2020 if I qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, which would be a dream come true for me.”
See More: Hoboken of Girl the Week: Tina Rivera {of Baking Mama}
What are your goals for this year?
My immediate goal for this year is to do well at the World Championships. Long term, I’ll know by April 2020 if I qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, which would be a dream come true for me.
“It’s been a culmination of almost 17 years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination.”
What’s a typical day look like for you?
Since I’ve transitioned to training full-time for the Olympics, my day consists of waking up around 8:00AM and eating breakfast with my boyfriend before he goes to work. I then run errands and try to take care of things around the apartment before I leave for practice. I also make sure to fit in any physical therapy appointments in that time. I then train from three to nine five days a week. Sundays and Mondays are my rest days, so I try to see friends and take the time to do things that make me happy. Since it’s a very regimented lifestyle, it’s important for me to set aside time to check in emotionally/mentally to make sure I’m not feeling burnt out.
What has been the highlight in your career so far?
Making my first Senior World Championship team this season has been extremely gratifying. It’s been a culmination of almost 17 years of hard work, sacrifice, and determination.
Tell us about another business in the area you admire.
It isn’t necessarily a “business,” but one of my absolute favorite places in Hoboken is the Hoboken Public Library. I’m a huge bookworm and am constantly devouring books on my train rides to/from practice and when I’m on a plane traveling to/from competitions. There are so many useful resources at the library, and I stop by at least once a week to stock up on more reading material.
Hoboken + Jersey City Favorites
What is your favorite restaurant in Hoboken?
I have several top favorites in Hoboken: Giovanni’s for a late-night cheat meal after practice, Karma Kafe for delicious Indian food, Mikie Squared for half-off apps on Tuesdays, Playa Bowls for their Chia Tella bowl, La Isla for when family is in town, and Seven Valleys for a romantic date night
What is your favorite boutique in Hoboken?
The Hoboken General Store is great for unique gifts and Hoboken-related tchotchkes. I know Sephora isn’t a boutique, but it is the best/worst thing that has happened to me. I cannot restrain myself anytime I walk by and since it’s en route to my apartment, it happens way too often. I also am a huge fan of Anthropologie.
What do you love most about Hoboken?
That everything is in such close proximity. I love that I don’t have to walk for more than 10-15 minutes to get to everywhere that I need to. It’s easily accessible and there are so many new boutiques, restaurants, and businesses to discover. My #1 thing to do this summer is to take the time to explore different parts of Hoboken and find new favorites.
Read More: Hoboken Girl of the Week: Courtney Roselle {of Brazen Athletics}
What is your favorite thing to do in Hudson County?
Discovering new restaurants – I’m a huge foodie, but I do have to adhere to a diet while I’m training, so when I have the opportunity to go all out, I take full advantage.
How long have you lived and/or worked in Hoboken?
My boyfriend and I have lived in Hoboken for almost two years, but we were both born and raised in New Jersey, so Hoboken was a natural fit for us when we decided to move in together. I went to school in New York City and did my four years there, but I was really looking to settle down somewhere less hectic. Hoboken is the perfect mix where I have the option to go into NYC when I want to, but it also is its own unique, vibrant community.
What is your favorite outdoor place to spend time in Hoboken?
Now that I have free time in the mornings/afternoons before training, I like to take a book and read in the grass at Pier C park or just walk along the waterfront. I also love Steven’s Park because it’s so close to my apartment. Lastly, do you even live in Hoboken if you don’t include Pier 13 as one of the top outdoors things to do in the summer?
What is your favorite place to work out in Hudson County?
I mainly train at my fencing gym in Garfield and do my workouts at the Powerhouse Gym that is attached to my fencing club. I would be interested in taking advantage of the various yoga studios in Hoboken though!
Where do you go out with friends in the area?
Truthfully, I don’t have too much time to go out, so I mostly go out for dinner with friends in Hoboken. One of my childhood best friends lives practically next door to me, so we like to discover new restaurants in the area together.
What is something you think needs to come to the area?
More casual Mexican food options!
Is there anything else you want to share?
I absolutely love living in Hoboken and can see myself staying here for a long time. Every time I come back from a trip overseas, I still get butterflies driving through Hoboken on my way back to my apartment. I’m proud to call it home!
Keep up with Jackie and her journey on Instagram at @jackiedubrovich!
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