Sword Play's owner and main coach, Maria Los Angeles Hechavarria Benford, is an Internationally Trained and ranked fencer. She is a member of the United States Fencing Association and teaches fencing at the college of Saint Catherine. Maria served as the President of the U.S.F.A., Minnesota division. Maria has taught and coached fencing to both men and women for more than 15 years and during that time has had many students gain regional distinction. Fencing is a family affair for Maria as she teaches with both her husband Gerald, and daughter Maria.