Background
Muhammad was born in Maplewood, New Jersey, of African American descent.
Muhammad was born in Maplewood, New Jersey, of African American descent.
Muhammad attended Columbia High School, a public high school in Maplewood, where she joined the fencing team at age 13.
She was raised in a family with four siblings. Muhammad discovered fencing while driving past the local high school when her mother saw fencers who were modestly covered. After fencing épée for a few years, Muhammad decided to switch to sabre at the request of her high school coach Frank Mustilli.
She quickly developed in the weapon helping to lead her team to two state championships.
In late 2002, Muhammad joined the prestigious Peter Westbrook Foundation, a program which utilizes the sport of fencing as a vehicle to develop life skills in young people from underserved communities. She was invited to train under the Westbrook Foundation"s Elite Athlete Program in New York City.
She is coached by former PWF student and 2000 Sydney Olympian Ahki Spencer-El. Muhammad was heavily recruited by Duke University, where she received an academic scholarship.
Muhammad graduated from Duke University in 2007 with an International Relations and African Studies double major.
She also competed in the 2010 World Fencing Championships in Paris, France
She is also a 3-time United States National Champion.
As member of the United States national team, Muhammad captured the gold medal in the women"s saber team event at the 2014 World Fencing Championships held in Kazan, Russia, the bronze medal in the women"s sabre team event at the 2011 World Fencing Championships held in Catania, Italy, and the bronze medal at the 2012 World Fencing Championships held in Kyiv, Ukraine.