UNC is ready to make a splash in the fight against cancer

Courtesy: UNC Athletics

The North Carolina swimming and diving team is preparing to make a splash in the pool and on the board this season, but first the program will make a splash in the fight against cancer.

The Tar Heels will host their third annual Swim Across America event on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Koury Natatorium in Chapel Hill. The Carolina community will come together to honor survivors and remember loved ones while raising funds for the swim's local beneficiary, UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

For more information about Swim Across America – Carolina, click here.

Swim Across America is an innovator and leader who brings hope to cancer patients. Through swimming events, Swim Across America raises money and awareness for cancer research, prevention and treatment. More than 150 Olympians support Swim Across America, including Kate Douglas, Michael Phelps, Elizabeth Beisel, Miss Franklin – A Day Without You, Gretchen Walsh, Ryan Lochteand many more.

Mark Gangloff, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and current head coach at North Carolina, is also an avid supporter of Swim Across America. He and his team have been instrumental in the success of the event in Chapel Hill.

“I am incredibly excited to host the Carolina Swim Across America event at Koury Natatorium,” said Gangloff, who has led the Tar Heels' program since 2019. “This event brings our community together for a truly meaningful cause, uniting swimmers, families and supporters in the fight against cancer. This event also supports UNC physicians on the cutting edge of cancer research, making it even more impactful as we contribute to life-saving advances.”

Michelle Morgan, a junior at UNC, shares Gangloff's sentiments regarding the impact Swim Across America has on the Chapel Hill community and beyond.

“Swim Across America is one of my favorite events that the team participates in each year,” Morgan said. “It means so much to our team, especially because so many members of our community are affected by cancer. Hosting an event like this is such a small gesture, but it means so much to so many people, and I know we are all just grateful to be able to be a part of something so amazing.”

The 2024 edition of Swim Across America will have a very special meaning for the Carolina community. This year's event is dedicated to the memory of Eric Montross (1971-2023), a Tar Heel legend who succumbed to cancer at the age of 52.

Montross was a beloved member of the North Carolina men's basketball team from 1990 to 1994. A first-round draft pick of the Boston Celtics, he played eight seasons in the NBA and then spent 18 seasons as an analyst with the Tar Heel Sports Network until retiring from the microphone last year. He also served as senior major gifts director for the Rams Club, the fundraising arm of Carolina Athletics.

“It is especially meaningful to swim in honor of Tar Heel legend Eric Montross, whose generous spirit and unwavering support has touched us all,” Gangloff said.

While this event is dedicated to Montross, Swim Across America participants also swim for family members, friends and other loved ones affected by cancer.

“A few years ago, my grandfather passed away from cancer,” said Walker Davis, a senior at UNC. “I see Swim Across America as an opportunity for me to help others who are going through the same thing he did and hopefully give them a better chance to win their battle.”

For some participants, Swim Across America is a very personal matter.

Swim Across America is close to Sue Walsh's heart, a member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, a medalist at the World Championships and a 10-time national champion at UNC. She was diagnosed with colon cancer six years ago and her mother lost her battle with melanoma in 2010.

Walsh quickly became Swim Across America – Carolina's biggest fundraiser, raising nearly $100,000 since the event launched in 2022. She has already raised nearly $40,000 this year alone.

Keri Cleary, director of operations for the UNC Swim and Dive Club, knows firsthand the direct impact the event has on cancer patients.

Cleary is a breast cancer survivor and an active member of the event's planning committee, embracing the community and support that Swim Across America provides.

“Swim Across America means so much to me,” said Cleary, who will swim in honor of her uncle who died of cancer last year. “Over the last two years, I've seen how this wonderful event directly impacts people with cancer and their families. For me, it's about bringing a community together to do really great things that support cancer research.”

Founded in 1987, Swim Across America has raised more than $100 million in the fight against cancer.

Since its inaugural event in 2022, Swim Across America – Carolina has raised over $240,000. The Carolina event raised $135,000 in 2023 and nearly reached its $100,000 goal this year.

In addition to raising money for a good cause, Tar Heel student-athletes love the opportunity to give back to the community in such a meaningful way and are proud to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

“The best part about participating in Swim Across America is that I have the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives. Another great joy is that I get to swim in honor of those who have fought or are fighting cancer. I like to let people know that we are always cheering them on and are here for them, no matter what stage of their fight they are in.”

You can find more information about SAA here.