Ali W. ’27 Named One of New York’s Most Positive Athletes
The honor recognizes Ali’s leadership in and out of the pool, including her work expanding access to swim lessons for New York City children.
Ali W. has long understood that swimming can be about more than speed, medals, and personal bests. For Ali, swimming has also become a way to lead, serve, and help more children experience the confidence and safety that come from learning to swim.
That spirit was recently recognized by Positive Athlete, which named Ali one of its 2026 New York award winners. The honor recognizes high school student-athletes who serve as role models in their schools and communities and who embody the organization’s values of optimism, teamwork, encouragement, respect, humility, heart for others, and service. Positive Athlete selected Ali as one of the top 28 “Most Positive Athletes” in New York from more than 15,000 nominations nationwide.
For Ali, the recognition comes during a year in which her impact has extended well beyond the pool. A captain and accomplished swimmer, she has also led the Turning the Tide Swim-a-Thon, a student-led fundraiser supporting Asphalt Green’s free water safety programs for New York City children. This year’s event raised more than $142,000, providing swim lessons for 258 children who otherwise may not have had access to them.
The initiative has also drawn attention from local media, including ABC7, which highlighted Ali’s belief that learning to swim is not simply a recreational skill, but a matter of safety and access. “Learning how to swim is the line between life and death,” Ali told ABC7, adding that limited access to pools and lessons makes it harder for many children in New York City to learn.
“Ali stands out not only as one of the most dominant swimmers in New York, but as someone whose work ethic elevates everyone around her,” said Director of Athletics Mandy Cecil. “She cares just as deeply about the success of her teammates as she does her own, and her passion for the sport extends beyond Nightingale through her commitment to raising awareness about the importance of learning to swim. She shows up every day as a role model for our entire community, and we are incredibly proud to call Ali a Nighthawk.”
At Nightingale, Ali’s work has brought together students, families, faculty, and staff across the community. This year’s swim-a-thon included Nightingale students from multiple divisions, members of the professional community, parents, and supporters in the stands and in the pool. The event also received gifts in memory of Coach Fee, a beloved former Nightingale swim coach who passed away in 2019. On a day centered on swimming, service, and community, the tribute carried special meaning for those who remember his impact on Nightingale’s swimmers.
Positive Athlete described Ali as “a high-character, teamwork-oriented leader” who has shown a heart for her school and community. It is a fitting description for a student-athlete whose leadership reflects the best of competition: striving for excellence while using her talents to make a difference for others.
Ali will be recognized at the 2026 New York Positive Athlete Awards Ceremony on Thursday, June 18, at Fordham University.
