“We are incredibly grateful to receive this generous gift,” said Ford Family Director of Athletics John Mack ’00. “Head Coach endowments are so impactful for our programs, and we are thrilled that the swimming and diving programs will benefit in such a meaningful way.” 

The women’s swimming and diving program will be celebrating its 55th anniversary this academic year and the anonymous donor wishes for the gift to ensure that the program will continue its unmatched tradition of producing top athletes, scholars and leaders for generations to come. 

Dating back to its first event in 1971, the women’s swimming and diving program has set the standard for success in the Ivy League while making waves at the national level. Last season, the Tigers won their 25th Ivy League championship in the pool, the most of any Ivy school. As a program, the Tigers have secured 109 All-American honors at national championship meets and seen the Orange and Black represent their country at multiple international events, including the Olympic Games. 

“On behalf of the Princeton women’s swimming and diving program, we want to extend our gratitude for this generous gift. We are deeply moved and incredibly grateful for this endowment, which is not only a gift but an investment in our future,” said women’s head coach, Abby Brethauer, who led the women’s team to its second straight Ivy League championship in her first season at the helm. “It signifies a commitment to the growth, development and success of our women’s swimmers and divers, both in the pool and in life. It will allow us stability and resources to continue to deliver a world-class experience for our student-athletes and honors the hundreds of swimmers and divers who built the foundation on which we stand today. The future of Princeton women's swimming and diving is bright and I am thrilled to see what opportunities are created moving forward because of this incredible gift.” 

“Our Princeton alumni have once again made a clear and strong statement in support of women’s athletics. I’m delighted for our women swimmers and divers and for Abby Brethauer” said men’s head coach, Matt Crispino, who recently completed his fifth season at the helm of the Tigers and is coming off of a 2023-24 campaign that saw the Tigers secure a close second-place finish at the Ivy League Championships. “Their team is full of scholars, leaders and shining examples of what makes Princeton University special. This newly endowed position will better empower our female swimmers and divers to reach their goals in the pool while having a transformative undergraduate experience here at Princeton. Furthermore, it will help fund some of the most pressing needs for both the men’s and women’s teams as we continue our collaborative pursuit of Ivy titles and national competitiveness.” 

An official naming of the endowment will be released at a later date. 

For information about supporting Princeton Athletics, contact Kellie Staples h74, Senior Associate Director of Athletics, Advancement at kgale@princeton.edu or 609.258.6696.