2025–2026
Scholarship Recipients
A Beacon of Light and Hope
Pursuing education is a roadmap for recovery after traumatic injury. It is a chance to pursue a new chapter, offering student-athletes who are driven and competitive by nature, a sense of purpose, independence, and well-being. Completing a degree and excelling in the classroom is up to the individual—a path forward. We welcome you to meet our current recipients and learn more about their triumphant stories.
"I am so grateful to the Swim with Mike Foundation for their focus on inclusion."
Misha Palla
Fordham University
"I am so grateful to the Swim with Mike Foundation for their focus on inclusion, and for providing individuals with disabilities the resources to realize a successful future. Despite being the largest minority group on the planet, people with disabilities are underrepresented in the workforce. By pursuing an MBA at Columbia University, which was made possible through a scholarship provided by SWM, I am able to pursue advanced education and build a more aware and inclusive workplace upon graduating."
Read More"I look at my situation as what an opportunity to live by faith, work hard, overcome an extraordinary obstacle and (hopefully) inspire others along the way."
Sydney Fowler
Anderson University
"Without paralysis, my story wouldn’t be a positive influence. Do I still hope that, in my lifetime, there will be a scientific breakthrough that cures paralysis? Absolutely! But, until then, I choose joy. I choose to be grateful. I choose to accept this path and live life to the fullest with a positive, resilient spirit."
Read More"With Swim With Mike's assistance it makes my injury much more manageable and increases my motivation and want for the goals that I have set."
Nick Miles
University of Oregon
"The choice to continue my education was not easy for me when my injury happened, but with Swim With Mike's assistance it makes it much more manageable and increases my motivation and want for the goals that I have set.
Read More"I now have the privilege and challenge to continue the ripple effect by giving back to those who have fought for me and help pave the way for student-athletes who have the courage to never give up."
Charles Kennedy
Hillsdale College
"This scholarship has not only provided me the opportunity to enhance my educational journey, but it has also given me a chance to show my gratitude to a community of warriors. I now have the privilege and challenge to continue the ripple effect by giving back to those who have fought for me and help pave the way for student-athletes who have the courage to never give up."
Read MoreEducation is the Great Equalizer:
A Path Forward for Student-Athletes to
Realize New Opportunities
The impact of an educational scholarship is two-fold: it develops the individual and it illuminates a new path after a catastrophic, life-altering event. Beginning an undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral program levels the playing field and allows scholarship recipients to reimagine their future and reshape themselves as individuals. The positive energy and challenges faced in the classroom builds self-esteem, self-reliance, and the ability to achieve great success as an independent person. The university experience offers the fundamental building blocks to pursue professional passions, stimulate innovation, and move their life forward.
As student-athletes, Swim with Mike Foundation scholarship recipients are challenged to push through life-altering obstacles and serve as pillars of courage and hope for those that follow in their wake.
By supporting a campaign, you are enabling current recipients to ride the wave of the Ripple Effect where they can raise money to help future student-athletes achieve success through an academic scholarship.
