Cathy DeSchouwer named 2026 Gator100 honoree
Crossover Mission Co-Founder and Executive Director Cathy DeSchouwer has been named a 2026 Gator100 honoree by the University of Florida, recognizing alumni who lead some of the world’s fastest-growing businesses and organizations.
The recognition reflects the growth of Crossover Mission, a nonprofit youth development organization DeSchouwer co-founded with Antoine Jennings in 2014. The organization began as a grassroots basketball and mentoring program and has grown into a year-round initiative that helps young people become successful adults through athletics, academics, mentoring, leadership development, and college and career readiness.
DeSchouwer learned about the Gator100 program while accompanying Crossover Mission student-athletes to the University of Florida Gators Basketball Camp.
During the visit, she toured the Warrington College of Business, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Accounting through the Fisher School of Accounting. While visiting the entrepreneurship center, she learned about the Gator100 program and decided to apply.
Months later, DeSchouwer learned she had been selected as a 2026 honoree.
Although the recognition is presented to individual alumni, DeSchouwer credited the community that has helped build Crossover Mission.
“What makes this recognition so meaningful is what it represents,” DeSchouwer said. “Every milestone we have reached has been made possible by students who have trusted us, families who have partnered with us, staff and volunteers who have invested their time, and donors who have believed in our mission. I am honored to accept this recognition on behalf of everyone who has helped build Crossover Mission.”
DeSchouwer said her University of Florida education helped prepare her to build and lead a mission-driven nonprofit that combines philanthropy, business discipline and innovative revenue strategies to create lasting opportunities for young people.
“Cathy’s leadership has always been guided by purpose rather than recognition,” said Antoine Jennings, co-founder and head coach of Crossover Mission. “She has helped build an organization that puts young people first every single day. This honor reflects years of thoughtful leadership, sound stewardship and a belief in what our students can become.”
As Crossover Mission continues to grow, DeSchouwer said she hopes to strengthen her network within the University of Florida community while creating new opportunities for young people to pursue higher education, meaningful careers and lives filled with purpose. She said the Gator100 recognition is not a destination, but encouragement to continue investing in students and expanding Crossover Mission’s impact.
About Crossover Mission:
Crossover Mission helps the kids who need it most become productive adults through year-round basketball training and one-to-one academic and life-skills mentoring.
Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email news@indianrivermedia.com.