Atlanta, Ga. --- The Georgia Southern Swim & Dive team participated in Swim Across America for now the second straight year to unofficially kick off the season. The team swam in Lake Lanier and although times were not recorded, it was an important day for everyone involved.

For new head coach Morgan McCafferty, it was her first experience leading a team. To sum up, the day for her today "was a lot of fun", says Coach McCafferty., "It was a blast. They [the team] were really excited about this whole experience and they really wanted to just get out there and see what they could do. That was really exciting for me because this is a team that likes to work hard. They've proved that so far in the pool but to see them get excited and actually serious about this was good to see. I also loved the teamwork today too. They went in as buddies and they all stuck together."

Swim Across America is an event more than the team, however, as it is a fundraiser for cancer and for a few of the swimmers, the day hit close to home. For senior Grace Drawdy, it was her ninth time participating at Swim Across America as her mother is a breast cancer survivor. Not only this, but the CEO of Swim Across America in Rob Butcher is also a Georgia Southern alumni.

"It was so moving." said Coach McCafferty on the day. "We got to hear the story of a 10-year old boy who lost part of his vision and so to see where the funds of this organization are going was powerful to know how much of an impact it makes on other's lives." 

"The day was really enlightening for all of us," explains Coach McCafferty. "Moving forward our priority is to remain a team and do what we can to be the best team that we can be no matter if it's competition, training, in the community, or just being better people altogether."

The first official meet for the Eagles is this upcoming Friday and Saturday (September 21-22nd) for the Osprey Invitational hosted by North Florida. The meet in Jacksonville, Fla. is set to begin at noon.