After two years of hosting The University of Texas Swimming and Diving alumni tailgates, William Glass and a team of former Longhorn athletes are proud to announce the launch of the Longhorn Strokes Foundation, a new community-driven initiative dedicated to expanding access to free swim lessons for underprivileged youth in the Austin area.
The Foundation has applied for nonprofit status, with the long-term goal of serving the Austin community as a charitable organization. In the meantime, it will partner with Tankproof, a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to swim instruction and water safety, to provide lessons and education to children who otherwise would not have access.
“No child should be denied the chance to learn to swim simply because of cost. It’s a life-saving skill, and drowning remains the number one cause of death for children ages 1 to 4,” said William Glass, founder of the Longhorn Strokes Foundation.
“We’re excited to be in the early stages of building a partnership that will bring life-saving swim education to communities across Austin. Through our work with the Longhorn Strokes Foundation, we aim to not only reach local youth but also empower student-athletes with the opportunity to serve their community in a meaningful way.” Torrence Thomas, Co-founder of Tankproof.
By combining the legacy of Texas Swimming & Diving’s alumni community with a powerful cause, the Foundation brings purpose and impact to what has already become a historic tradition. It also creates a meaningful pathway for current Longhorn athletes and alumni to connect over a shared cause that strengthens their community.
“Our main fundraiser takes place before every home UT football game, outside of the Texas Swim Center in the Olympian Circle,” said Glass. “We encourage our alumni to show up, connect, and donate for the cause. It’s an incredible way for our community to give back while celebrating the legacy of Texas Swimming and Diving.”
The Longhorn Strokes Foundation is led by a team of former Texas athletes representing decades of Longhorn excellence. Thanks go to Shaun Jordan (OLY, ’93) and Sean Foley (’03) for introducing the partnership with Tankproof, Hayes Johnson (’12) for leading graphic design, Preston Varozza (’20) for smoking bar-b-que at every event, Ellis Harty (‘19) and Ryan Harty (’19) for facilitating operations, and Alan Zapalac (’17) for overseeing logistics.
The foundation is also grateful for the support of community partners including Lone Star Beer, Dulce Vida Tequila, Sap’s Hydration, Rambler Sparkling Water, Canteen Spirits, Limestone Moving Company, and Goodnight Loving Vodka, whose contributions help make the alumni tailgates and fundraising efforts possible.
By building on the strong alumni culture, the Foundation not only supports life-saving swim education but also creates a pathway for Longhorn athletes to continue making a difference well beyond their competitive careers.
About the Longhorn Strokes Foundation
The University of Texas Swimming and Diving alumni created the Longhorn Strokes Foundation to support underprivileged youth through free swim lessons and water safety programs. The foundation has applied for nonprofit status. The foundation partners with Tankproof, leveraging their expertise in swim instruction and water safety to maximize community impact.
Media Contact – Inquiries and Donations
Longhorn Strokes Foundation
William Glass, Founder
📧 [email protected]
Tankproof
Torrence and Thurman Thomas, Founders
🌐 tankproof.org
📧 [email protected]
📱 @tankproof
