Members of Marshall Swimming & Diving are demonstrating their role on campus extends far beyond athletic competition. Through their continued involvement with Swim Across America, student-athletes are turning their time in the pool into a meaningful effort to support cancer research and raise awareness.

For juniors Nina Nugent and Charlotte Thompson, biomedical engineering major and nursing major, respectively, the event represents a blend of personal passion and community engagement. Both students brought prior experience with Swim Across America from their hometowns, which ultimately inspired them to introduce the initiative to Marshall’s campus.

“Swim Across America is something we were both familiar with before coming here,” Nugent said. “I participated in one in Chapel Hill back home in North Carolina, and when I realized West Virginia didn’t have one, I thought it would be a great opportunity to start something new at Marshall.”

That idea quickly became a reality. In 2025, the team hosted the university’s first-ever Swim Across America event, raising nearly $9,000 for cancer research. 2026 marked the second annual swim, with organizers continuing their efforts despite logistical challenges. The event still managed to raise over $8,000 while drawing strong participation from both athletes and the campus community.

“There are a lot of moving parts that go into organizing something like this,” Thompson said. “It wasn’t always easy to coordinate everything, but we were really happy with how it turned out and the support we received.”

Unlike traditional swim meets, Swim Across America events focus less on competition and more on participation and purpose. Swimmers of all skill levels are encouraged to take part, creating an inclusive environment that prioritizes awareness and community involvement.

“I think it shows how much our team wants to connect with people beyond just our sport,” Thompson said. “It’s important for us to give back and not stay confined within our own team.”

Funds raised through Swim Across America contribute to a national network of cancer research initiatives. The organization carefully allocates donations to vetted research projects, many of which focus on pediatric cancer and innovative treatment development.

“As a smaller pool swim, our funds go into a larger national pool that supports pediatric cancer research,” Nugent said, “but across the country, some events raise enough to fund specific projects or clinical trials directly.”

Thompson added in larger cities, partnerships with hospitals and research centers allow funds to be directed toward local institutions, including programs that support both current patients and ongoing medical research.

For many of the athletes involved, the cause is deeply personal. Nugent emphasized nearly every member of the team has been affected by cancer in some way whether through family or close friends.

“It’s something that impacts all of us,” she said. “Being able to contribute to something that directly helps people and advances research makes this event really meaningful.”

That shared connection has helped drive the event’s success and motivates organizers to continue building on what they have started. Now in its second year, Swim Across America at Marshall is already looking toward the future.

Organizers hope to expand participation by involving other athletic teams and student organizations across campus. Because the event is designed to be accessible, even those without swimming experience can join in and contribute.

“You don’t have to be a swimmer to participate,” Thompson said. “We had a basketball player join us this year, and we even did a cannonball contest. It’s meant to be fun and welcoming for everyone.”

As both Nugent and Thompson prepare for their senior year, they are also focused on ensuring the event’s longevity. Their goal is to establish a strong foundation, so future students can continue growing the initiative.

“We want to pass this down and see it keep expanding,” Nugent said. “It would be really rewarding to come back and see how much it’s grown.”

With continued support and a clear mission, Swim Across America at Marshall is positioned to become a lasting tradition, one that unites athletics, advocacy and community in the ongoing fight against cancer.

To get in contact about Swim Across America at Marshall, Nina Nugent can be contacted at [email protected].

Jimmy John Jacob can be contacted at [email protected]