Friday morning it was announced that Theresa Swertfager was awarded $2,500 in tuition support through the Go Teach initiative presented by the College Football Playoff (CFP) Foundation’s Extra Yard for Teachers & Dr Pepper. Dr Pepper and the CFP Foundation will award a collective $1.5 million in tuition over the next six years to support student-athletes looking to become teachers.
Swertfager, a four-year member of the Gators softball program, graduated in the summer of 2019 with her bachelor’s degree in education and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in physical education at Manhattanville College, while also interning at Scarsdale Middle School.
“This award means so much to me and my family because it helps me fulfill my dreams of becoming a physical education teacher and coach.” Swertfager said. “I grew up with education in my blood.
“My grandfather was a principle; my mother is a physical education teacher, as well as a state championship coach; and my father is a state championship wrestling coach. So, at a young age, I knew that education was the route I wanted to take to impact children’s lives in a positive way and the University of Florida gave me the educational foundation that I needed to become a teacher who inspires students to reach their full potential.”
In line with following her parent’s career paths, the Katonah, N.Y. native is making an impact at her alma mater, John Jay Cross River High School, as the head coach of the winter track program and as an assistant coach within the softball program. She’s also an assistant coach for the volleyball program at Hendrick Hudson High School and is a national club volleyball coach at the Downstate Athletic Club.
In addition, Swertfager is four-time SEC Academic Honor Roll member.
2020 CFP Foundation & Dr. Pepper Go Teach Award Recipients – Southeastern Conference
Alabama
Ariyah Copeland
Women’s Basketball
Arkansas
Alyssa Lemon
Swimming and Diving
Auburn
Jessica Merritt
Women’s Swimming and Diving
Florida
Theresa Swertfager
Softball
Georgia
Jordyn Pedersen
Gymnastics
Kentucky
Madisyn Peeples
Women’s Track and Field/Cross Country
LSU
Amanda Doyle
Softball
Mississippi State
Broadie King
Football
Missouri
Karina Liz
Women’s Cross Country, Track & Field
Ole Miss
Lindsey Johnson
Softball
South Carolina
Kaden Briggs
Men’s Track and Field
Tennessee
Danielle Mahaffey
Volleyball
Texas A&M
Samantha Siebenaller
Women’s Swimming
Vanderbilt
Bryanna Leyen
Bowling
Each SEC institution selected one student-athlete to receive a Dr Pepper Go Teach Tuition award valued at $2,500. This program is open to student-athletes across all institutional sponsored sports programs and academic classifications who are enrolled in or applying to enroll in a teacher preparation program, an affiliated education program or an alternative teacher certificate program. The College Football Playoffs Foundation will select one recipient to receive the grand prize of an additional $20,000 ($22,500 total).
The Dr. Pepper Go Teach Grand Prize winner will be announced on SEC Nation during the SEC Championship on December 19, 2020.
About the College Football Playoff Foundation and Extra Yard for Teachers
The CFP Foundation is the community-engagement arm of the College Football Playoff, supporting education across the country. The CFP Foundation’s primary cause platform, Extra Yard for Teachers, is dedicated to elevating the teaching profession by inspiring and empowering teachers in four focus areas: resources, recognition, recruitment and professional development. The CFP Foundation utilizes multiple partnerships to execute its initiatives and support positive educational outcomes. To learn more, visit cfp-foundation.org and follow Extra Yard for Teachers (@CFPExtraYard) on social media.
About Dr Pepper
Dr Pepper, a brand of Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP), is the oldest major soft drink in the United States. Since 1885, the 23 flavors of Dr Pepper have earned legions of fans that enjoy its unique, refreshing taste. The brand is available in Regular, Diet, Caffeine Free, Cream Soda and Cherry varieties. For more information, visit DrPepper.com or keurigdrpepper.com. For the brand’s latest news and updates, follow Dr Pepper at Facebook.com/DrPepper or Twitter.com/DrPepper.
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