University of North Carolina Athletics
Fisher And McKay Leave Legacy Of Service
May 26, 2017 | Swimming & Diving, Student-Athlete Development, Carolina Outreach
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Before Abby Fisher and Katie McKay graduated from UNC this month, they put the finishing touch on a legacy of service and organized one last Carolina Athletics team for the 2017 UNC Relay for Life event.
This year's team had around 80 participants at the event on April 7-8, despite unseasonably chilly weather, and raised more than $1,000 for the fight against cancer, bringing the three-year Carolina Athletics total to nearly $15,000.
Thanks to everyone who participated @UNCRelayForLife this past weekend! #GoHeelsBeatCancer pic.twitter.com/tpKtn5laIh
— UNC SA Development (@UNC_SADev) April 10, 2017
Fisher and McKay, both members of the women's swimming and diving team, decided following their freshman year to organize a Relay for Life team. The first effort, in 2015, raised nearly $7,000 and kicked off a new tradition.
The following year they did it again, with one last go-round this spring for their senior year. During the time they organized the event, they involved around 300 of their fellow student-athletes, coaches and department staff. They were honored with a 2016 ACC Top Six for Service Award for their hard work and dedication.
“Throughout their time at UNC, Abby and Katie showed so much dedication to community outreach,” said Korie Sawyer, who oversees community outreach as a part of UNC's Student-Athlete Development Office. “Not only did they participate, but they showed great leadership in getting their fellow student-athletes involved. Relay for Life is just one of the areas in which they've left a mark.”
Fisher majored in nutrition and McKay had a double major in biology and psychology. Both were recognized as Top 10 Scholar-Athletes for earning grade point averages that were among the top 10 in the senior class of graduating student-athletes.
