"Swim practice was my safe space and my escape, until I learned that my safe space was gone forever. Louis had lost his battle with his mental health.

Although his death will always weigh heavy on my heart, I am blessed to work to provide a helping hand to those struggling in my community. Louis will forever be my biggest role model, and his story continues to inspire me to support others and make a difference."

"Growing older and getting into competitive club swimming, I discovered just how demanding swimming can be. It takes consistency, physically and mentally, in and out of the pool. I have learned that leadership isn't about having everyone's attention—it's about helping others move forward.

As a Teen Ambassador for Mental Health, I have discovered that being a safe place for someone is a powerful gift. Physical strength is important, but mental health is everything."

“Swimming isn't just a sport to me, it's the foundation of who I am.  It's connected me to my community and given me direction for the future. 

Coach Tudor's legacy has taught me that the most important impact we make isn't just in the water, it's in the lives we touch.”

"As I prepare for college and my nursing studies, I see my future like the confluence of two rivers - my love for swimming and my dedication to helping others merging into one powerful current. 

Swimming has taught me discipline, endurance, and how to push through discomfort. These qualities will serve me well in the demanding field of nursing, where physical stamina and mental resilience are essential."

“Samuel Grooten graduated from Lord Botetourt High School and is eagerly anticipating starting at Virginia Tech this fall, where he will study Business Information Technology. In high school, Samuel was a dedicated athlete, participating in football, basketball, baseball, and swimming.

Looking ahead, he is excited about the academic challenges at Virginia Tech and hopes to one-day coach swimming, combining his love for sports with his passion for mentoring others.”

“I was 8 years old when Louis Tudor “discovered” me on the Hunting Hills Swim Team. Louis saw something promising in me and encouraged me to start competitive swimming. He also realized that I was an anxious overachiever and tried his best to teach me to go easy on myself. Louis wanted swimming to be an outlet to release my stress and he wanted me to enjoy it for a lifetime. While other coaches were pushing me to make me faster and faster, Louis cared about me, he cared about my future and my overall well-being.  

Every time I jump in the water, I remember Louis and the lessons he taught me.   Hopefully, I will be able to pass on the valuable lessons he has taught me to younger swimmers and keep Louis’s legacy alive.”

“Swimming will forever be an outlet to decompress from everyday life for me. I have always resorted to the pool in times of stress or anxiety, and this will not change after high school.

Growing up with Coach Louis Tudor at Hunting Hills Country Club and being apart of the community that loved him and grieved for him makes this scholarship hit close to home.”

“I was a former swimmer and member of Hunting Hills Country Club and held the utmost respect for Coach Louis Tudor and everything he did for the swimming community. I have always looked up to his love and compassion for swimming and he will always serve as a role model in my mind and heart.

Talking about my frustrations and asking for help showed me that mental well-being is just as important to performance as physical well-being.""

“I would love to impact people in the same way that I have been impacted by swimming in general and by Coach Tudor.

​Being able to just forget about everything that is going on in your life outside of the pool while you are in the pool is one of the greatest powers that swimming has to offer."