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DECEMBER 2022 29 base, it wasn't long before Fong realized the need to help current student-athletes think about what the next step will be in their lives. He also realized that swimming and diving alumni wanted a way to connect with current student-athletes. After conversations with alumni, coaches, and current student-athletes, he worked to build a stronger connection between the two groups by establishing a mentorship program. Fong built the framework for how to execute his idea and presented it to as many people as possible for their input. More than 100 alumni responded, express- ing their wish to participate, and they have stayed connected with alumni through word of mouth, swimming and diving's Facebook page, email Listservs that coaches manage, and relationship-based networking. "Our alumni have always cared so much and are very supportive," Fong said. "Their tie to the University will always remain." Last year was the mentorship program's first year of full operation. First-year student- athletes are not paired with mentors so they have an opportunity to adapt and adjust while finding their own footing and direction at the University. All second-, third- and fourth-year stu- dent-athletes were successfully paired with a mentor. Job opportunities were created, relationships were built, and the swimming and diving program connected on a whole new level. Fong compares 2022, Year 2 of the mentorship program, to a startup company, explaining, "You first need to build the struc- ture and organize the program, which will create a flow. Then you establish the expec- tation for both the student-athlete and men- tor, and come up with a plan for how many sessions are needed — either each month or each week." Fong shared the three goals of the mentorship program. Goal one: Help the student-athlete achieve success, clarity and support from the alumni base. Goal two: Help the alumni feel more connected with the current student-athletes. This will provide a different opportunity for them to give back to their sport. Goal three: Build a stronger network for all current and former members of this beloved team. While the men's and women's swimming and diving teams have always been close, they have developed a very special con- nection through this program. They have expanded their network with some women alumni paired with men and vice versa. According to Fong, the men's team has such pride and admiration for the national champion women's team, and he is proud to see everyone making a difference to- gether. He will continue to strengthen the mentorship program and grow the student- athlete and alumni network. Fong credits his UVA experiences and relationships to his career success. "The classmates I had during the four years are a large reason for the way I care the way I do," he said. — Jess Armistead Contact the Virginia Athletics Foundation to learn about the benefits of these gifts: Bequests and Beneficiary Designations | Life Income Gifts | Qualified Charitable Distributions | Gifts of Non-Cash Assets, including Stock and Real Estate PLANNED GIFTS COMBINE YOUR PHILANTHROPIC GOALS WITH SMART FINANCIAL STRATEGIES. virginiaathleticsfoundation.com | 434-982-5555 A gift of real estate may allow you to make a greater investment in the future of Virginia Athletics and have tax and other financial benefits. There are several options for making a gift of real estate depending on your goals—contact the Virginia Athletics Foundation for more information. TRANSFORM PROPERTY into LEGACY