NJ Swimmer and Beloved Teammate Adrienn Kovacs Remembered for Her Courage

Adrienn Kovacs, a 14-year-old swimmer from northern New Jersey, has died after a nine-month battle with DIPG, an aggressive form of brain cancer. A member of the Sussex County YMCA Swordfish, Kovacs is remembered by her teammates, coaches, and local community for her courage, determination, and spirit.

Her team shared their love and memories of Kovacs on the Swordfish Instagram page:

Kovacs showed strength in breaststroke events early in her swimming career. At the 2024 NJ YMCA 12U State Championship (SCY) in February, she placed 5th in the 50 breast (34.35) and 8th in the 100 breast (1:16.09).

The following month, she raced at the NJ SCAR NJS Gold Championships (SCY), finishing 7th in the 100 breast (1:15.11) and 8th in the 200 breast (2:42.75).

A couple of weeks later, Kovacs competed at the Eastern Zone Championships (SCY), swimming the 50 breast (34.62), 100 breast (1:16.48), 200 breast (2:47.91), and 200 IM (2:33.70).

Her final swim meet for the Swordfish was the NJ Gold Championships in March 2025, where she swam the 100 and 200 breast, just a short time before her diagnosis in early May. Kovacs still holds the Swordfish’s girls 11-12 SCY 200 breast record with a time of 2:42.75.

Even after her diagnosis, Kovacs continued to swim with determination, racing for her summer swim team, Highland Lakes, as long as she could. She attended Vernon High School and was looking forward to swimming on the team alongside her twin sister, Alicia, and older sister, Alex.

Adrienn’s parents, Timea and Attila, shared this statement following the loss:

“It is with the deepest sorrow that we share that our beloved daughter Adrienn passed away this morning. She was lovingly surrounded by her family. Adrienn courageously fought 9 months against DIPG, an aggressive brain cancer, with strength and spirit beyond words. We are heartbroken, and no words can truly express the pain we feel. We will share details about a Celebration of Adrienn’s Life as soon as arrangements are made. Thank you for your love, support, and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”

To help the Kovacs family, a GoFundMe page has been set up. As of publication, the fundraiser has raised $36,942, reflecting the outpouring of support from both the swim team and the wider community.