Nikolai Novosjolov, a former top fencer and current coach of Katrina Lehise, has been appointed as the head coach of the Estonian women's epee fencing team. The announcement was made by Alar Eiche, president of the Estonian Fencing Federation, during a press conference, confirming the decision reached during the federation's board meeting on February 10. Novosjolov aims to create the best possible environment for the team to achieve high results on the international stage.

In the announcement, Novosjolov expressed that his ambition to become the women's head coach has been longstanding. He emphasized the necessity of a positive and conducive team climate, stating, "It is extremely important for me that the team agrees with my candidacy." This focus on team dynamics suggests that Novosjolov values not only the technical aspects of coaching but also the interpersonal relationships and morale within the team, which could be crucial as they prepare for upcoming competitions.

The team's first competition is scheduled for mid-March in Astana, but concerns have been raised regarding the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, which could potentially affect the feasibility of attending this event. The uncertainty surrounding this competition adds a layer of complexity to Novosjolov's preparations and emphasizes the unpredictable nature of international sporting events amidst geopolitical tensions.