CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WINNERS OF THE 2025 SWIM ACROSS AMERICA COLLEGE CUP

Swim Across America (SAA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 SAA College Cup. More than 45 collegiate, club, and alumni teams and over 1,300 participants all united to make waves in the fight against cancer through swimming and friendly competition. Together, the teams raised over $500,000 for their communities and beneficiaries.

Swim Across America awarded the top fundraising team, the top collegiate fundraiser, and a bonus team chosen at random. 

Congrats to the top fundraising team, Team Tar Heel! The top team is led by co-captains, Bailey Burt and Sue Walsh, and raised more than $88,000. Funds raised by Team Tar Heel supported the Swim Across America – Carolina community.

Team Tar Heel from the SAA-Carolina community is the winner of the Swim Across America College Cup. Congrats!

For Olympian and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill alum and Team Tar Heel captain, Sue Walsh, Swim Across America’s mission is deeply personal. 

“I am so proud to be a part of this amazing organization and raise funds for critical cancer research at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center with Team Tar Heel,” shared Sue. “I swim for everyone fighting cancer and I’m proud of what we have accomplished in our community.”

“As a team, we are thrilled to be the Swim Across America College Cup champions and to have had the opportunity to make such a tremendous positive impact in our community. Each of us is passionate about the SAA mission and thankful for the good it has done for so many.

Congrats to the top collegiate fundraiser, Lucas Caswell, who raised over $11,500! Lucas is a student at WashU in St. Louis, Missouri, supporter of the SAA-St. Louis open water swim, and helped establish the 2025 SAA-Michigan pool swim at the University of Michigan. Lucas will be honored in May at the annual CSCAA awards banquet in Chicago.

Lucas Caswell and his mother, Elizabeth, at the 2025 SAA-Michigan pool swim.

“Swim Across America’s community of swimmers, volunteers, and researchers inspired me through their work, their stories, and their hope to join the fight against cancer,” shared Lucas.

SAA also recognized a collegiate team chosen through a random drawing: Team Thundering over Cancer with Marshall University. The team of more than 20 swimmers raised nearly $9,000 through their inaugural pool swim, and were awarded an $800 Kiefer Aquatics voucher. Funds raised by the team from Marshall University supported pediatric cancer research through Swim Across America national grants.

“Swim Across America and their mission is important to us because we have seen our friends and family greatly affected by cancer,” shared by team captain, Nina Nugent “We’re honored to have hosted the first SAA pool swim in West Virginia and hope that together we can Thunder Over Cancer!”

The Swim Across America College Cup invites college teams, athletes, and alumni to join the organization’s mission of funding cancer research, clinical trials, and patient care programs through community charity swims. Teams participate by registering for one of Swim Across America’s open water charity swims, joining or starting a pool swim, or participating virtually through the SAA My Way program. Participants affiliated with a U.S-based college or university are eligible to compete in the College Cup. Teams consist of current college students, alumni, or a mix of both, and could be small as one person.

The Swim Across America College Cup is supported through partnerships with CSCAA, Kiefer, and GoSwim. 

About Swim Across America

Swim Across America, Inc. (SAA) is dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, prevention, and treatment through swimming-related events. With the help of hundreds of volunteers nationwide and past and current Olympians, SAA is helping find a cure for cancer through athleticism, community outreach and direct service. To learn more visit swimacrossamerica.org or follow on Facebook or on Instagram.

About CSCAA

Founded in 1922, the CSCAA is the nation’s first professional coaching association for intercollegiate athletics. The CSCAA boasts more than 2,000 member coaches and assistant coaches, recognizes All-American swimmers and divers, NCAA record-breakers and Scholar All-America athletes and teams, as well as outstanding coaches and contributors, and helps oversee the welfare of collegiate swimming and diving. Learn more about CSCAA at cscaa.org.

About Kiefer Aquatics

Kiefer Aquatics is the trusted source for competitive swimmers, lifeguards, and aquatic facilities. From performance swimwear and lifeguard uniforms to rescue gear, on-deck equipment, and general aquatic facility needs, Kiefer is dedicated to helping our customers deliver better aquatic experiences through trusted products, customized solutions, and exceptional service. Learn more at kiefer.com.

About GoSwim

GoSwim creates content that helps people of all ages and backgrounds to swim better and reach their full potential in the sport. GoSwim’s videos are acclaimed and unsurpassed for clarity of filming and clarity of content and commentary. GoSwim was founded in 2002 by Olympian Glenn Mills and business colleague Barbara Hummel. Learn more at goswim.tv.

Swim Across America – Charlotte In the News

Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Charlotte community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Levine Cancer Institute and Levine Children’s Hospital, at swimacrossamerica.org/charlotte.

WSOC

Swim Across America event returns to the Queen City

Swim Across America event returns to the Queen City (Yahoo! via WSCO)

WCNC (NBC 36)

Swim Across America helps raise funds for local cancer research (YouTube via WCNC)

Swim Across America helps raise funds for local cancer research

Making waves in cancer research – Sponsored by Atrium Health Foundation

WFAE

Hundreds to swim in Lake Wylie for cancer treatment and research fundraiser

South Charlotte Weekly

15-year-old Paralympian to swim for charity

Charlotte Observer

How Providence Day swimmer Drennan Shall has turned pain into purpose

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – NASSAU/SUFFOLK IN THE NEWS

Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Nassau/Suffolk community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiaries at swimacrossamerica.org/ns.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA BLOG – SAASWIM.COM

Kelly Lennon: A Full Circle Journey with Swim Across America

The New York Post

Long Island swimmers set to make waves against cancer for ‘Swim Across America’ event

AOL – via The New York Post

Long Island swimmers set to make waves against cancer for ‘Swim Across America’ event

MSN – via The New York Post

Long Island swimmers set to make waves against cancer for ‘Swim Across America’ event

Long Island Press

Port Washington’s Swim Across America Team Hope raises $93K for cancer research

16-year-old swimmer completes 28-mile race around Manhattan

Daily Voice – Stamford

Making Waves Against Cancer: Hundreds Swim To Raise Nearly $1M At Glen Cove Event

MSN – via The Daily Voice

Making Waves Against Cancer: Hundreds Swim To Raise Nearly $1M At Glen Cove Event

LI Times

Glen Cove swim raises $950K for cancer research

LIHerald.com

Rockville Links youth swimmers raise funds for cancer research at Swim Across America event

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – LONG ISLAND SOUND IN THE NEWS

Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Long Island Sound community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiaries, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Columbia University Cancer Center, Cancer Support Team, and Weill Cornell Medical Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/long_island.

SAAswim.com – Swim Across America blog

From Heartbreak to Hope: Team Gina Makes Waves to Fight Cancer

New Rochelle Challenged Triathlete Florence Berger-Bordeau to Swim in 33rd Annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound July 26

From Survivor to Swimmer: 13-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Jane Hatch Makes Waves for Pediatric Cancer Research

Swimming World

Swim Across America – Long Island Sound Open Water Swim Makes Waves to Fight Cancer

WNYW-TV (FOX, 5) “The Noon”

33rd Annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound

WNBC-TV (NBC, 4)

‘Swim Across America’ for a good cause

The New York Post

Two-time cancer survivor reveals his fitness stamina trick — and how he uses honey — as he swims 10K across the Long Island Sound

News 12 Long Island

Swim Across America raises almost $2.1 million toward cancer research

Greenwich man swims across Long Island Sound to raise money to fight cancer

News 12 Westchester

Swim Across America raises almost $2.1 million toward cancer research

New Rochelle Patch

New Rochelle Challenged Triathlete Florence Berger-Bordeau to Swim in 33rd Annual Swim Across America – LIS

Larchmont – Mamaroneck Patch

From Heartbreak to Hope: Team Gina Makes Waves to Fight Cancer at 33rd Annual Swim Across America

Swim Across America – Long Island Sound Raises an Incredible $2+ Million for Cancer Research

Scarsdale 10583

Team John Surpasses $2 Million raised for Cancer Research

Lohud The Journal News

Video: Swim Across America Long Island Sound

Photos: Swim Across America Long Island Sound

MyRye.com

Rye’s Adam Coe Completes 10K Swim Across Long Island Sound for Charity Event

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – NANTUCKET IN THE NEWS

Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Nantucket community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiaries, Nantucket Cottage Hospital, Palliative and Supportive Care of Nantucket, and Mass General Cancer Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/nantucket.

SAAswim.com – Swim Across America blog

Natalie Thompson Makes Waves: How One Nantucket Family Lives the Swim Across America Mission

Nantucket Current

“Badge Of Honor” – Natalie Thompson Swims For Her Wife, Late Father


Swim Across America Nantucket Sets New Record With $1 Million Raised For Cancer Care, Research

The Inquirer & Mirror

Swim Across America returns to Jetties Beach Saturday

WBZ-AM/1030 NewsRadio “Nightside with Dan Rea”

Nighttime News Update: Swim Across America – Nantucket

Luxury Pools + Outdoor Living

Making Waves: Natalie Thompson’s Mission to Fight Cancer, One Stroke at a Time

Yesterday’s Island Today’s Nantucket

Swim to Fight Cancer

CapeCod.com

Charity swim returns to Nantucket’s Jetties Beach this weekend

Nantucket.Net Blog

Swim Across America Nantucket Gives A Gift of Hope

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – MOTOR CITY MILE IN THE NEWS

Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America-Motor City Mile community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Rogel Cancer Center, at swimacrossamerica.org/detroit.

WDIV – Click On Detroit | Local 4

Swim Across America: Motor City mile charity swim

Swimming World

Swim Across America: Motor City Mile Open Water Swim Makes Waves to Fight Cancer

CBS News Detroit – MSN.com

Swim Across America: Motor City Mile

WXYZ-TV

Live guest: Patrick Weiss, Swim across America – Motor City Mile co-event director

Detroit Free Press

Belle Isle swim planned to raise money for cancer research

WPHM-AM/1380

7th Annual Swim Across America Motor City Mile Open Water Swim to Fight Cancer

Grosse Point News

7th annual Swim Across America makes waves to fight cancer July 11

Ortonville Citizen

‘Swimmers with a purpose’

Tri-County Times

Swimming with purpose

From Survivor to Swimmer: 13-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Jane Hatch Makes Waves for Pediatric Cancer Research

When 13-year-old leukemia survivor Jane Hatch dives into one of this summer’s Swim Across America – Long Island Sound pool swims at Westchester County Country Club on July 12, she’ll be carrying on a family legacy that began more than three decades ago. Her grandfather, Frank Webers, helped launch the very first SAA – Long Island Sound charity swim in 1992 after sadly losing his wife, Kathleen “Kathy” Webers, to brain cancer at just 42. Only 17 swimmers took to the water that inaugural year. Today the event draws 800+ participants and is the largest Swim Across America event in the country, raising millions for cancer research and patient care.

Jane Hatch, a young leukemia survivor, will swim at a SAA-Long Island Sound pool swim this year.

Jane’s mother, June, is one of three daughters of Frank and Kathy Webers – April, May and June. While cancer has thankfully skipped her mother’s generation, Jane was diagnosed with leukemia at just six years old. Throughout the past seven years and through her treatment years, Jane has participated in supporting SAA – Long Island Sound any way she could – by selling lemonade and bake sales, and in 2019, her Mom June swam in her honor.

This year, Jane will swim in the Westchester Country Club pool swim on July 12. Her family has been comforted in knowing that a portion of the funds raised through SAA – Long Island Sound are going directly to Memorial Sloan Kettering, where Jane was treated.

“Jane is thriving because of breakthrough science and compassionate care, some of which has been funded directly through Swim Across America,” said June  Hatch, Jane’s mother and member of Team Jane.  “We swim, volunteer and donate to fund the next breakthroughs — especially for children who still face cancer with far fewer treatment options than adults.”

Only 4% of federal cancer-research dollars target childhood cancers. Swim Across America – Long Island Sound is hoping to change that and is directing 20% of proceeds from its open water and eight pool swims this year to pediatric-cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Kids and NewYork-Presbyterian Children’s Hospital through its KIDS Swimming FOR KIDS program.

To raise awareness and inspire young swimmers, Swim Across America will be offering a fun buy-one, give-one campaign offering supporters a chance to get a Dash the Dolphin, Swim Across America’s mascot’s plush toy for a $30 donation — for each plush toy purchased, a second plush toy will be gifted to a pediatric cancer patient at Memorial Sloan Kettering Kids and NewYork-Presbyterian Children’s Hospital through the swim’s KIDS Swimming FOR KIDS program.

From Heartbreak to Hope: Team Gina Makes Waves to Fight Cancer

Almost a year-and-a-half after sadly losing Gina Mannix Wente to breast cancer, who was just 32-years-old and a beloved wife, mother, daughter and sister, more than 50 of her relatives and friends are suiting up again to make a big splash with “Team Gina” at the 33rd annual Swim Across America – Long Island Sound open water swim on Saturday, July 26, held on the shores of Long Island Sound in Larchmont, New York.

Gina Mannix Wente

The team has hit the ground running and is already one of the top fundraising teams, raising $33,255 to date for the July charity swim. For Team Gina, diving back into the water isn’t just a tribute – it’s a way to keep Gina’s competitive spirit and generosity alive – all while fueling cancer research that could help others battle this terrible disease.

Gina grew up swimming at the Larchmont Shore Club, captained undefeated squads at Ursuline and the College of the Holy Cross, and later coached for the New York Athletic Club. She balanced that passion with a finance career that took her to GE Capital and Ferrara Candy. In 2021 she married Dave Wente. Their daughter, McKenzie, arrived in 2022, and their son, David Charles, was delivered early at just 29 weeks on February 1, 2024, weeks after Gina’s sudden cancer diagnosis. Gina sadly passed away on February 26, 2024, just 3-1/2 weeks after welcoming her son.

Gina and her daughter, McKenzie

“Last summer’s swim, was as you can imagine, raw and emotional for all of us after losing Gina so suddenly,” noted Gina’s mother, Mary Mannix. “However, being all together at the swim and doing something that Gina loved was also very healing. We are coming back this year stronger and more energized than ever before. Every dollar we raise honors her love of the sport of swimming and helps fund the breakthroughs that can possibly help save other lives.”

“Cancer knows no boundaries,” noted Jean Fufidio, event director for SAA-Long Island Sound. “It impacts adults, young adults and children. Diagnoses of young adults globally have risen by 79%. But here’s how Swim Across America Long Island Sound is making a positive impact. A recent Time Magazine story, ‘The Race to Explain Why More Young Adults are Getting Cancer’ mentioned the ground-breaking, rectal clinical trials done by one of our very own fellow doctors, with a 100% response rate. A subsequent trial that was expanded to other gastrointestinal MMRd type cancers and published in The New England Journal of Medicine in April showed an astounding 80% success rate with immunotherapy alone – no surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. That is making an impact.”

Members of Team Gina swam at the 2024 SAA-Long Island Sound open water swim

Proceeds from SAA-Long Island Sound benefit Swim Across America’s local beneficiaries: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Columbia University Medical Center, Cancer Support Team and Weill Cornell Medicine. Registration, volunteer sign-ups and donations are open at swimacrossamerica.org/longislandsound.

Now in its 33rd year, SAA-Long Island Sound open water and pool swims have contributed nearly $30 million towards cancer research, resulting in FDA approved immunotherapy treatments of Keytruda, Opdivo and Yervoy. What’s more is the money raised locally stays local, providing cancer care and research grants to The Cancer Support Team, a Westchester-based home care program offering free services to patients and their families; to New York Presbyterian Children’s Hospital Pediatric Oncology Lab; to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Research Laboratories of Dr. Diaz and Dr. Kung Kids Department of Pediatrics; and to Weill Cornell Medicine Research Laboratory of Dr. Wolchok and Dr. Merghoub.

SWIM ACROSS AMERICA – FAIRFIELD COUNTY IN THE NEWS

Read or watch local stories featuring the Swim Across America – Fairfield County community to learn about their impact. Learn more about the event and beneficiary, Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy, at swimacrossamerica.org/fc.

SAASWIM.COM – Swim Across America blog

11-Year-Old Shep Jennings Makes Big Waves to Fight Cancer

News 12 Connecticut

Swim Across America Fairfield County raises $400,000 for cancer research

WABC-TV (ABC, 7) NY

Swim Across America – Fairfield County Open Water Swim

Darien Magazine CT

Crazy for the Swim

Darien Patch

11 Year-Old Darien Resident Shep Jennings is Making Waves to Fight Cancer

Darien Daily Voice

From Pool To Podium: Darien Boy, 11, Raises Thousands For Research While Chasing Olympic Dream

Greenwich Daily Voice

From Pool To Podium: Darien Boy, 11, Raises Thousands For Research While Chasing Olympic Dream

Greenwich Free Press

Swim Across America Fairfield County Fundraiser at Bosco’s Bar & Grill to Feature MOJO

19th Annual Swim Across America – Fairfield County Open Water Swim Swim Raises $400,000 for Cancer Research

Greenwich Patch

Greenwich Family Raises Money For Groups That Helped Girl With Cancer

Living Greenwich

Make Waves to Fight Cancer at the 19th Annual Swim Across America Fairfield County

Stamford Patch

Mole Mavens Provide On-Site Mole Checks at June 21 Swim Across America – Fairfield County Open Water Swim

Sunny Skies Forecast for Saturday’s Swim Across America – Fairfield County

Swim with a Purpose: CLASH Endurance Announces New Charity Swim Events with Swim Across America

1-Mile Swim and 100M Dolphin Dash Take Place December 7 at Daytona International Speedway

CLASH Endurance® and Swim Across America are thrilled to announce a new charity swim in Lake Lloyd, located in the infield of the iconic Daytona International Speedway® on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025. Participants of all ages will have the opportunity to swim alongside notable Olympians in an inspirational one-mile swim or a 100-meter Dolphin Dash with fundraising for critical cancer research as their top priority. Funds raised will support Swim Across America’s breakthrough pediatric cancer grants with its beneficiaries and CLASH Endurance’s philanthropic partner The NASCAR Foundation.

Swim Across America, founded in 1987, hosts 24 annual open-water swims from Nantucket to under the Golden Gate Bridge, and hundreds and pool swims each year that fund cancer research and patient programs, raising more than $100M to date. Swim Across America has funded transformative trials that led to the FDA-approved immunotherapy cancer medications Keytruda, Opdivo, Yervoy and Tecentriq. The organization has also supported Memorial Sloan Kettering’s landmark trials including the recent Phase II clinical trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine showing an 80% success rate treating MMRd cancers with immunotherapy alone. Swim Across America also recently awarded the first-of-their-kind gene editing innovation grants to Alliance for Cancer Gene Therapy and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to advance safer, more effective targeted treatments.

“Swim Across America, CLASH Endurance and The NASCAR Foundation joining together makes so much sense as The NASCAR Foundation helps so many kids who are battling cancer,” commented Rob Butcher, CEO of Swim Across America. “To have a Swim Across America charity event in Daytona on the CLASH Endurance Family Weekend means we will make even bigger waves together in the fight against cancer.”

The NASCAR Foundation is a leading charity that works to improve the lives of children who need it most in NASCAR racing communities through the Speediatrics Children’s Fund and the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. Serving as a designated 4-Star Charity by Charity Navigator for its strong financial health and ongoing accountability and transparency, it has contributed more than $50 Million to impact the lives of more than 1.7 million children nationwide since 2006.

“We are excited to be a part of the new Swim Across America swim during the CLASH Endurance weekend at Daytona International Speedway. We truly appreciate the many years of support from our friends at CLASH, and it is a privilege to team up again to help improve the health and well-being of kids across the country and in our race communities,” said Nichole Krieger, vice president and executive director of The NASCAR Foundation.

On December 7, when hundreds of swimmers and volunteers dive into Lake Lloyd, one-mile swimmers will be required to raise at least $400 by event day; swimmers under 18 will raise a minimum of $200; Dolphin Dash participants can register for $50 and have no fundraising minimum. To register as a swimmer or a volunteer, visit swimacrossamerica.org/daytona.

CLASH Endurance CEO Bill Christy says, “We are proud to collaborate with Swim Across America which continues to make a lasting impact in the cancer community. This is a cause that has touched all our lives, and we are honored to further support the fight at one of our flagship event weekends.”

Each December when much of the country battles snow, more than 3,000 participants ranging in age from four to 80+ will take on the speedway through a variety of events including a 5K, kids’ triathlon, duathlon, aquabike, triathlons, Test Track and Redline Relay. CLASH Endurance strives to provide a festival-style weekend, which in addition to free activities for spectators and athletes alike, include a wellness expo, food trucks, beer/wine garden and much more. The weekend kicks off with a festive “Jingle Jog 5K” on Friday evening with a start and finish at ONEDaytona. Participants, including those in jogging strollers, will experience Florida’s “Magic of Lights” holiday display taking them under the iconic grandstands of the speedway. The Swim Across America 1-mile swim and Dolphin Dash will help cap-off the weekend on Sunday, December 7.

“We have swum in some incredible venues and Daytona International Speedway is certainly one of the most iconic,” noted Olympic swimmer and Swim Across America Ambassador Rowdy Gaines. “To have a Swim Across America charity swim in Daytona is going to be extra special – I will definitely be there!”

CLASH Endurance® is an innovative endurance event company led by athletes with a passion to provide exceptional race experiences at iconic speedways across the U.S. CLASH embraces inclusion and welcomes athletes of all ages and abilities, from elite professionals to first-time participants. The popular CLASH Endurance DAYTONA event is held at the Daytona International Speedway®, home of ‘The Great American Race”- the Daytona 500, and has been featured on NBC and Fox Sports 1/2. Each February, the Daytona Beach Half Marathon & 5K takes athletes on a scenic tour of Daytona and its numerous landmarks and attractions. In addition, CLASH Endurance Miami in March continues to draw a decorated pro field, collegiate athletes from dozens of prestigious universities and weekend warriors for a challenging course at the historic Homestead-Miami Speedway®. Follow The NASCAR Foundation on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/NASCARFoundation or on X at @NASCAR_FDN. For more information visit clashendurance.com.

Swim Across America hosts open water and pool swims in numerous communities nationwide, from Nantucket to under San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. More than 150 Olympians swim with the organization, including Michael Phelps, Kate Douglass, and Missy Franklin. The organization supports more than 60 cancer research projects annually and has ten named Swim Across America Labs at major institutions nationwide. To learn more, visit swimacrossamerica.org or follow on social media @SwimAcrossAmerica on Facebook and @SAASwim on Instagram.