When it comes to supporting or joining a movement, two key factors come into play: the organization's commitment to driving the change you want to see and the passion and connectivity of its team. Stand By Me Foundation embodies both these elements, making it a standout choice for those looking to drive change in the sport of swimming. And a natural choice for me.
As a born and bred New Yorker, swimming has been a constant in my life. From training on the boardwalk in Manhattan Beach in Brooklyn to lifeguarding in Rockaway, Queens, my connection with water runs deep. However, my journey with swimming has not been without its challenges. In high school, I had to travel from Brooklyn to Staten Island twice a day to swim on a club team because there were no accessible options in Brooklyn that offered the level of training I needed. This experience fueled my passion for ensuring that no aspiring swimmer faces similar obstacles.
Stand By Me was founded in 2012 by world-renowned swim coaches and Olympians. Its track record is stellar, with our founder having coached more than 60+ individuals to the Olympics. Today, our mission is clear: to make swimming accessible to everyone, from beginners to competitive, elite, and recreational swimmers.
Swimming has been more than just a sport for me; it's been a journey of self-discovery and growth. From winning city championships to swimming competitively in college, my love for swimming has only deepened over the years. Today, I continue to push my limits through open water swimming, with the goal of completing the Triple Crown of Open Water Swimming next year.
My journey has taught me that swimming is a gateway to opportunities. It can lead to well-paid summer jobs, scholarships, and the discipline needed to succeed in the corporate world. Above all, swimming is about chasing dreams and pushing boundaries.
What sets Stand By Me apart is our belief in the power of community, reflected so well in my personal journey.
Founded and led by swimmers, Stand By Me embodies the spirit of swimmers standing by one another. At our core, we focus on several key areas:
Breaking Down Financial Barriers: Through swim scholarships, we extend our reach far and wide, ensuring that financial constraints are not a barrier to entry into the world of swimming. Initially serving the tri-state area, our goal is to expand this initiative nationally.
Delivering Swim Education: Our board is comprised of some of the best coaches and Olympic swimmers and has designed comprehensive programs that cover everything from water safety to competitive swimming techniques. These programs are delivered through clinics, ensuring that our knowledge and expertise reach as many aspiring swimmers as possible.
Team Elite: Our squad is a force to be reckoned with. If our team were a country, we would have placed in the top third at the 2016 Olympics for swimming. This level of excellence and achievement is a testament to our dedication to athletes.
Urban Swimming Access: Looking ahead, we aim to work with city and state teams to improve access to swimming in urban centers. Starting in New York City, we want to ensure that everyone, regardless of where they live, has access to quality swimming facilities and training.
Why New York and why the tri-state area? While swimming is not often associated with New York, recent events have shown that talent and potential can come from anywhere. At the World Championships, we witnessed a relay of swimmers all from New Jersey win gold, and New Yorkers set American records. Despite this talent, the tri-state area has some of the worst access to pools and facilities in the country. Stand By Me is committed to changing this narrative and providing opportunities for swimmers in this region to excel.
That's why I chose to join the board of the Stand By Me Foundation. It's an opportunity for me to give back to the community that has given me so much. I want to use my experience and passion for swimming to help others realize their dreams, just as I am realizing mine.
Together, let's stand by our swimmers. Because when we do, we're not just making waves (no pun intended)—we're creating a ripple effect that can change lives.
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