Trojans discover community via Swim with Mike program

As a wheelchair user, USC junior Rachel Miller understands that her college journey differs from that of many. Therefore, when Miller noticed another Trojan in a wheelchair, she felt compelled to introduce herself.

That individual was Myles Molnar, who, like Miller, has utilized a wheelchair since his teenage years. Through their shared experiences as student-athletes, Molnar — a graduate student specializing in data science at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering — directed Miller to the Swim with Mike Foundation, a nonprofit that generates scholarship funds for athletes with disabilities. Presently, both Trojans are part of a community of approximately 50 current students nationwide who identify as Swim with Mike scholarship awardees.

“It’s an organization that not only provides the financial assistance required, but also the emotional reassurance,” remarked Miller, who studies biochemistry at the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. “They are a group that has encountered similar circumstances, making them particularly well-equipped to support any challenges you may face.”

This weekend, the foundation will host its 44th annual Swim with Mike event at USC, showcasing a variety of swimming activities and competitions, a wheelchair basketball tournament, and a diving exhibition, all taking place at the Uytengsu Aquatics Center on the University Park Campus.

For Molnar, this marks the eighth Swim with Mike event he will attend. While he appreciates the celebrations associated with the occasion, he mentioned that his favorite aspect is reuniting with friends and fellow members of the Swim with Mike community.

“It’s always a positive atmosphere,” Molnar expressed. “But participants travel from various locations for this event, so it’s wonderful to reconnect with friends.”

Swim with Mike: Approaching half a century of generosity

The motivation for the inaugural Swim with Mike event emerged well away from any swimming pool. On January 2, 1981, a dirt biking mishap left Mike Nyeholt, a USC All-American and three-time NCAA champion swimmer, paralyzed. Friends and teammates arranged a fundraising effort to gather resources to obtain a specialized vehicle, enabling Mike to continue his education at USC. Initially named “Swim for Mike,” the event was a swim-a-thon featuring USC swimmers, volunteers, and donors completing laps in a campus pool. Organizers raised $58,000, and Nyeholt resolved to pay it forward by sustaining the event for subsequent disabled athletes.

Since that first fundraiser, the event has welcomed Olympians, celebrities, and even former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. Over four decades of events, the Swim with Mike Foundation has accumulated over $25 million and granted more than 250 scholarships to recipients at over 130 universities nationwide.

“Every individual involved with Swim with Mike has been incredibly kind and compassionate and truly desires to see you thrive,” Miller stated.

Trojan roots for Swim with Mike recipient

Growing up in the nearby community of Hermosa Beach, Miller and her two sisters — who are triplets — embraced a sense of Cardinal and Gold pride
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from a young age: Miller’s mother completed her studies at USC in 1990 and served as a lifeguard at the Uytengsu Aquatics Center.

“My mom cherished her time here, and she wanted us to come here and just undergo the experiences she had,” Miller remarked. “She will not abandon USC — she’s a genuine alumnus and a devoted Trojan supporter.”

USC was actually the dream institution for Miller’s sister Maddie, who is pursuing psychology at USC Dornsife. However, due to their close-knit family and their mother’s inspiration, Rachel and her other sister Allie — who is also a psychology major at USC Dornsife — joined Maddie as Trojans. All three are set to graduate together in 2026.

“It’s truly a full-circle moment,” Miller expressed regarding graduating from USC alongside her sisters. “We grew up together, enrolled in many of the same courses, and simply lived life as a unit. Being able to walk together feels like our final significant event before we each go our own ways.”

Miller’s journey to Swim with Mike began as an eighth grader in January 2018 when she developed a viral illness. What started as an infection that Miller mentioned was “making its rounds” at her school soon began to damage her connective tissue, resulting in a three-month hospital stay and two years of being bed-bound for recuperation.

“No one truly comprehends what transpired, and I still don’t, which has been frustrating to accept,” Miller stated. “At the same time, there’s no choice but to move ahead.”

Her determination proved fruitful, both in terms of physical health and academics. After seven years of extensive physical therapy, she regained some movement in her upper limbs. Once an enthusiastic softball player and swimmer, Miller has encountered challenges on her path to recovery. Thankfully, she has discovered alternate ways to fulfill her competitive spirit through new activities, such as wheelchair basketball.

“I distinctly recall sitting in the sports wheelchairs, and everyone was at my eye level, granting me a sense of belonging, because frequently I’m speaking with someone who’s standing, as nearly all my friends are able-bodied,” Miller remarked. “I had never really interacted with wheelchair users before, but having everyone at the same height participating in a sport was truly motivating.”

Miller attributes the Swim with Mike Foundation for not only providing her with a sense of community but also allowing her to experience as typical a college life as she could.

“Without this opportunity, I don’t believe I would have attended college and pursued higher education,” Miller commented. “I’m extremely grateful that they’ve instilled in me such ambition that my primary challenge is deciding what I want to pursue, rather than the reality of whether I can.”

The 8,300-mile journey to USC

In contrast to Miller, Molnar did not grow up a Trojan supporter, nor was he raised near USC. Hailing from the Bay Area, Molnar spent part of his youth in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where he attended an American International School. He played baseball and soccer while growing up, but his passion for wrestling ignited when he was introduced to the sport in fourth grade.

“In an individual sport like wrestling, when you lose, you can’t really blame others — you have to take responsibility,” Molnar articulated. “I’ve always been drawn to individual sports and this emphasis on self-improvement.”

During wrestling practice in seventh grade, while residing in Abu Dhabi, a life-altering incident occurred. At one moment during practice, Molnar’s neck bent, and his chin was forced into his chest with such intensity that he dislocated his C5 and C6 vertebrae. Emergency surgery was necessary. After spending eight days in the hospital, Molnar embarked on the 8,000-mile journey back to the Bay Area for rehabilitation.

“One of the primary focuses is on ADLs — activities of daily living — like brushing my teeth, self-feeding, moving in bed, dressing, pushing my wheelchair, combing my hair, all these tasks that I essentially have to relearn,” Molnar stated.

He eventually entered a rehabilitation center in Colorado, where he continued his high school studies and was introduced to the Swim with Mike Foundation.

“I was informed that if I wished to pursue higher education, it’s still entirely an option, and [Swim with Mike] provides a great pathway to achieve it,” Molnar shared.

Molnar applied to several universities, but one specific detail stood out during his visit to USC. On his first visit to the University Park Campus, Molnar observed how accessible the campus was for wheelchair users. What might have gone unnoticed by most made a significant impact on Molnar: he realized he wanted to be a Trojan.

“If a random restroom located in a corner is exceptionally accessible, then this clearly demonstrates that accessibility is a priority for the campus,” he remarked.

Since his arrival at USC, Molnar has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in computational and applied mathematics with a minor in applied analytics from USC Dornsife and has initiated a graduate program in data science at USC Viterbi. His most cherished experience during his USC journey has been his engagement with Trojan Knights, the oldest service and spirit organization on campus, where he formerly held the position of treasurer. Although he has encountered numerous challenges since his wrestling days in Abu Dhabi, Molnar feels stronger than ever. He credits the Swim with Mike Foundation and its community for revealing to him what is achievable.

“The Swim with Mike scholarship has enabled me to become a higher education student, broadening my outlook and aspirations for myself by removing any restrictions I may have previously held,” Molnar expressed.