University of Florida Honors Crossover Mission Co-Founder Cathy DeSchouwer as a 2026 Gator100 Honoree
Recognition celebrates leadership behind one of the nation’s fastest-growing
University of Florida alumni-led organizations
VERO BEACH, Fla. — Crossover Mission Co-Founder and Executive Director Cathy DeSchouwer has been named a 2026 Gator100 Honoree, a prestigious recognition presented by the University of Florida honoring alumni who lead some of the fastest-growing businesses and organizations in the world.
The recognition reflects the sustained growth of Crossover Mission, the nonprofit youth development organization DeSchouwer co-founded with Antoine Jennings in 2014. What began as a grassroots basketball and mentoring program has grown into a year-round organization that helps young people become successful adults through athletics, academics, mentoring, leadership development, and college and career readiness.
Ironically, the journey to the Gator100 began during a visit to DeSchouwer’s alma mater.
Last summer, while accompanying Crossover Mission student-athletes to the University of Florida Gators Basketball Camp, DeSchouwer toured the Warrington College of Business, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master of Accounting degrees through the Fisher School of Accounting. During a visit to the entrepreneurship center, she learned about the Gator100 program and realized she met the qualifications.
“I thought, ‘Why not apply?'” DeSchouwer recalled.
Months later, she learned she had been selected as a 2026 honoree.
While the recognition is presented to individual alumni, DeSchouwer is quick to credit the community that has helped shape Crossover Mission.
“What makes this recognition so meaningful isn’t the award itself,” she said. “It’s what it represents. Every milestone we’ve 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’m honored to accept this recognition on behalf of everyone who has helped build Crossover Mission.
Reflecting on her time at the University of Florida, DeSchouwer added, “My exceptional business education at the University of Florida helped prepare me for the unique challenge of building and leading a mission-driven nonprofit—one 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 hopes to strengthen her network within the University of Florida community while continuing to create new opportunities for young people to pursue higher education, meaningful careers, and lives filled with purpose. She views the Gator100 recognition not as a destination, but as encouragement to continue investing in students and expanding Crossover Mission’s impact for years to come.
