STUDENT-ATHLETE ADVOCATE PROGRAM

Ella Duffy, a Marietta, GA native, is a senior member of the University of Georgia’s equestrian team. Her family’s long-standing commitment to service—including her father, Christopher Duffy, who has served on the Home Depot Foundation Board for more than a decade and was recently appointed to the Tunnel to Towers Board—has shaped Ella’s passion for giving back. As a Student-Athlete Advocate, she hopes to build meaningful connections and help expand the Foundation’s reach within her community. Ella is especially excited to support programs such as the 9/11 Institute and the Fallen First Responder Program as she works to make a positive and lasting impact.

“Becoming part of the program enables me to pour my energy into something much bigger than myself, and there is no better place to do so. I want to spread awareness of the sacrifice made by servicemen and women throughout Georgia.” – Ella Duffy, Equestrian Team at University of Georgia

Timothy Grabinski, a Walden, NY native, is a junior backstroke specialist on Liberty University’s men’s swimming club team and a Government & National Security major. Inspired by his father’s commitment to service, Timothy felt called to become a T2T Student-Athlete Advocate and to embody the values of honor, courage, and community responsibility. He looks forward to supporting the Tunnel to Towers Fallen First Responder Program and using his platform as a student-athlete to give back to the individuals and families who sacrifice so much.

“Being in the water shows that you can have dedication, hard work, discipline, and then taking that out of the pool with Tunnel to Towers shows that you could dedicate your life to something greater.” – Tim Grabinski, Liberty University Men’s Swimming

Neave Bowman, a Massapequa, NY native, is a sophomore attacker on the Stonehill College women’s lacrosse team and a Health Science major. Inspired by her family’s deep ties to service—her father is a New York City firefighter who served during the 9/11 attacks, and close family friend John James Tipping II was among the FDNY members lost that day—Neave brings pride, purpose, and resilience to everything she does. As a freshman, she appeared in 12 games for the Skyhawks, recording an impressive 7 goals and 6 assists. She continues to honor the legacy of the heroes who shaped her upbringing through her dedication both on and off the field.

“I’ve grown up with a firefighter for a dad and I’ve been in and out of the firehouse. I’ve witnessed the sacrifices that they make every day.” – Neave Bowman, Stonehill College Women’s Lacrosse

Mary Kinnane, a Rockaway Beach, NY native, is a senior right-side blocker on the Hartwick College women’s volleyball team. Coming from a family with numerous active first responders, and with a mother who has faced health challenges stemming from being in Manhattan on September 11, 2001, Mary’s connection to service is deeply personal. In 2024, she took part in the Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk in New York City, an experience that strengthened her commitment to honoring first responders and their families. She looks forward to continuing that dedication by participating in next year’s NYC Tower Climb and further supporting the Foundation’s mission.

“I come from a long line of first responders and as a New York City native, I am aware of the importance of helping the next generation of Americans understand the impact our first responders have on our lives.” – Mary Kinnane, Hartwick College Women’s Volleyball

Robert Egan, a Chester, NY native, is a junior on the William Paterson University men’s golf team and a Management major. With multiple friends and family members serving as active first responders, Robert has long been connected to the values of service and community. He has previously contributed to Tunnel to Towers efforts through his work at Crystal Springs Resort in Hamburg, NJ, where he assisted with T2T golf outings. As a Student-Athlete Advocate, Robert looks forward to supporting the Fallen First Responder Program and the T2T Golf Series, continuing his commitment to honoring and uplifting hero families.

“I’m named after a family friend, Michael Roberts, who was an FDNY firefighter, who gave the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11. I try to live my life by carrying out his legacy and continuing his passion for helping others.” – Robby Egan, Golf Team at William Paterson University

Danielle Williamsen, a Staten Island, NY native, is a sophomore guard on the Marist women’s basketball team. In her standout 2024–25 freshman campaign, she played in 29 games and earned 28 starts, quickly establishing herself as a reliable contributor in the Red Foxes’ lineup. As a T2T Student-Athlete Advocate, Danielle is committed to raising awareness, uniting her campus community, and driving meaningful change while continuing to grow as a leader both on and off the court. She is especially interested in supporting the Smart Home and Gold Star Family Programs and looks forward to helping organize impactful community engagement events that amplify the Tunnel to Towers mission.

“My dad was a New York City police officer. He was a first responder to 9/11 and it’s a very difficult time for him to talk about. It just shows how difficult it is to wake up every single day and put your life before somebody else’s.” – Danielle Williamsen, Marist University Women’s Basketball

Caitlin Collins is a freshman at Rutgers University in New Jersey and a first-year student-athlete on the Women’s Lacrosse team this spring. She hails from Morristown, New Jersey, and comes from a long line of firefighters in her family. She is the daughter of a firefighter captain, granddaughter of a retired firefighter and great granddaughter of a former battalion chief. Caitlin’s personal experience growing up with first responders inspired her to become a T2T Student-Athlete Advocate and demonstrate to young Americans what it means to do good.

“I am very passionate about Tunnel to Towers and how they help the families of fallen military and first responders, especially because I grew up visiting my father’s fire station and have seen firsthand how much of an impact the organization makes on families and their communities. I am honored to represent the Tunnel to Towers Foundation as a member of its Student-Athlete Advocate Program, and I am thrilled by the opportunity to continue spreading its mission of doing good among my Gen Z peers.” – Caitlin Collins, Rutgers University Women’s Lacrosse

Jack Holl is a senior at Pennsylvania State University-Behrend, where he is positioned in center forward and spent two years as captain and as a two-time All-American for the Men’s Water Polo team. Jack is originally from Greenwich, Connecticut, and comes from a large family with deep roots in the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the Fire Department of New York (FDNY). His father tragically lost his best friend, FDNY firefighter John Daniel Marshall, on 9/11 and raised Jack to understand the sacrifice of our heroes who gave their lives that day.

“From a young age, my father instilled in me a profound respect for all first responders and members of our armed forces and emphasized the importance of supporting those who protect us. I am proud to join Tunnel to Towers Student-Athlete Advocate Program to honor and Never Forget the memory of his best friend, John Daniel Marshall, and all of the heroes who make sacrifices each and every day to keep our country and communities safe.” – Jack Holl, Pennsylvania State University Men’s Water Polo

Grant Green is a junior at the University of Tampa and a second-year player, starring as a midfielder on the Men’s Lacrosse Team. Grant is originally from Aurora, CO; his father is a Denver firefighter and Navy Veteran. Grant recalls that when he was a young boy, he almost lost his father during an incident responding to a Denver-area house fire. His father’s life of service inspired Grant to take on his own mission of giving back and becoming a T2T Student-Athlete Advocate.  

“If it weren’t for the grace of God, my family and I might have been on the receiving end of the amazing work the Tunnel to Towers Foundation does for so many. While I am, of course, grateful my father is still alive, it is not lost on me that we must continue to honor those who put their lives on the line in the name of service.  I am honored to represent the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Student-Athlete Advocate Program and eager to raise awareness for this amazing organization and its cause.” – Grant Green, University of Tampa Men’s Lacrosse

Charlie Tessier is a freshman at Fairfield University in Connecticut and a first-year student-athlete on the Men’s Cross Country team this fall. Charlie calls Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, home and has a deep sense of patriotism, pride, and gratitude for those who serve in the military and our communities.

Charlie is the son of a United States Air Force veteran. His dad has served over two decades in the military with deployments supporting Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.  While he was born after the events of September 11th, 2001, Charlie understands what transpired that day and the importance of honoring all our heroes.

“From a young age, my father instilled the importance of what it means to Never Forget. I know that 9/11 forever changed so many lives, and being the son of an Air Force Veteran, I want to bring awareness of that day to my generation. Being a member of the Tunnel to Towers Student-Athlete Advocate Program is a proud honor for me, and I look forward to educating others about the Foundation, its mission and finding ways to support our heroes.” – Charlie Tessier, Fairfield University Men’s Track and Field

Emma Cameron is a freshman goalkeeper for the Hofstra women’s soccer program. The Rockland, Mass. native is majoring in exercise physiology and aspires to pursue a career in physical therapy. Cameron was a multi-sport athlete at Rockland High School, lettering in soccer and basketball. As the daughter of a Massachusetts State Trooper, Emma joins the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, wanting to support the families of fallen first responders however she can.

“I am honored to represent the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Student-Athlete Advocate Program. I joined T2T to represent and support the families whose loved ones have put their lives on the line daily to protect others. I never take the work our first responders do for granted, and I’m so proud to be part of this community.” – Emma Cameron, Hofstra Women’s Soccer

Keira Corrigan is a sophomore outfielder on the Scranton softball team. A nursing major from Rockville Centre, N.Y., Corrigan grew up in the 9/11 community as part of a multi-generational first responder family. Her father is an active Captain for the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), and her grandfather, FDNY Capt. James Corrigan, lost his life on 9/11, responding to the attacks on the World Trade Center. Keira looks forward to volunteering at the T2T NYC 5K Run & Walk and the Tower Climb NYC in 2024. 

“My grandfather died while he was saving kids from the daycare at the South Tower on that fateful day. I believe it is essential to spread awareness and acknowledge those who lost their lives on 9/11, suffer from related illnesses, and all the first responders who risk their lives every day to protect and care for others.” – Keira Corrigan, University of Scranton Softball

Valerie Veauthier is a freshman guard on the Lenoir Rhyne women’s basketball team. The Holly Springs, N.C. native was a star basketball athlete at Holly Springs, H.S., featuring on the varsity squad for five seasons. Her family motivated Valerie to join the Tunnel to Towers Foundation after participating in a T2T 5K race in Fayetteville, NC. Inspired by Stephen Siller’s heroic story, Veauthier is committed to assisting families who have lost a family member who served their country or local community as a first responder.

“Advocating for T2T is perfectly in line with my values. I want to help tell “Our Story,” the heroic act of Stephen Siller, to people across North Carolina, the Southeast US, and beyond, especially the younger generation of high school and college students.” – Valerie Veauthier, Lenoir-Rhyne Women’s Basketball

Ryan Tursellino is a sophomore at Salisbury University and features as a midfielder on the Sea Gulls’ Women’s Soccer team. Ryan’s father, Port Authority Police Officer Steven Tursellino, died in September 2013 due to 9/11-related cancer. The Foundation paid the mortgage on the Tursellino family’s home in September 2021.

The Hauppauge, NY native came off the bench and scored the game-winning goal in the 2023-24 season opener against Greensboro on September 1st. Tursellino’s go-ahead, 30-yard strike happened to be the first shot attempt of her Sea Gull career.

“I am honored to be chosen to represent the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Student-Athlete Advocate Program. I’m excited to be given this platform to help as many families as possible and carry on the Foundation’s mission of ‘Let Us Do Good.’” – Ryan Tursellino, Salisbury University Women’s Soccer

Paul Maguire a first-year student-athlete at Clemson, joins one of the nation’s best collegiate Track and Field programs this fall. The freshman distance runner placed 19th in his first national 8K race at last month’s 2023 Eye Opener Cross Country Festival.

Maguire’s father is a Captain for the City of New York Fire Department (FDNY) and inspired his son to support the Foundation. Paul wants to help raise awareness for an honorable cause and wants to participate with the National Run, Walk, & Climb Series team.

“I am honored to have the privilege of representing one of America’s most compassionate charitable organizations, giving back to the ones that sacrifice the most for us.” – Paul Maguire, Clemson University Track & Field

Conor McGovern is a freshman soccer player at the Virginia Military Institute. The Kings Park, NY native featured in 12 games off the bench during his first season with the Keydets as a defender. McGovern was a star defender at Kings Park High and his club team, SUSA Albertson. The freshman was a 2017 Rookie of the Year, a three-time All-Conference selection, and a two-time Newsday Long Island Top 100 Players selection.

Conor intends to serve with the United States Army following his collegiate career as a U.S. Medical Corps branch member. McGovern is currently majoring in biology.

“I am extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to work with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation as a student-athlete advocate. I think it is important that we honor the men and women that have made the ultimate sacrifice while also honoring those who serve this nation every day.” – Conor McGovern, Virginia Military Institute Soccer

Danielle Heintz is a sophomore lacrosse player at the University of Colorado Boulder. The Brewster, NY native was a 2020 graduate at Brewster High School, where she earned four letters on the lacrosse team and three as a member of the field hockey team. Heintz was a mainstay between the pipes for Brewster High, accumulating 572 career saves. The goalkeeper earned All-America honors following her 2019 season and won her school’s first-ever Sectional Championship. Heintz is a Mechanical engineering major.

Danielle’s father is currently a firefighter for the New Rochelle Fire Department and was a first responder who helped in the recovery efforts at Ground Zero.

“I am incredibly excited to be a part of an amazing foundation, and I can’t wait to work alongside a great group of student-athletes to give back to America’s heroes. I believe it’s important to make sure nobody forgets what our first responders and service members sacrifice for our community and nation.” – Danielle Heintz, University of Colorado Boulder Women’s Lacrosse

“We are excited to grow the Tunnel to Towers Foundation Student-Athlete Advocate Program and bring on these amazing athletes to continue the Foundation’s mission to do good. Their inspiration to honor the lives of America’s heroes and spread awareness amongst their peers makes them a perfect fit for the program. We hope they will influence younger generations to do the same.”

– Frank Siller
CEO, Tunnel to Towers Foundation