HOME TOUR 2025

                    

 

MISS VENICE FASTPITCH – FALL SEASON 2024

We are happy to introduce our Miss Venice Fastpitch 8U softball team for the fall season. Today was Opening Day, and these young women were happy, enthusiastic, and eager to play their first game. We are looking forward to supporting them! Thank you to their coaches, Maggie, Jenna, and Cat, for volunteering your time and expertise to teach and support this wonderful, young team!

 

 

 

Venice AAUW is a proud sponsor of this fascinating endeavor by a very strong and determined young woman. Our Venice AAUW logo is proudly displayed on the bow of her boat. In April, the presentation was devoted to the experiences of Anna McLean, a Venice resident, two-time Guinness World Record holder, graduate of Clemson University, and rower extraordinaire. The Jervey Library meeting room was packed with nearly 150 attendees, including many visitors who had met—or are following—Anna and her dream. Pam Swarts, Program Director and Co-President Jan Harris warmly introduced Anna, whose program was entitled “My Row Across the Atlantic Ocean.”

On the approach to the library, there was an immediate WOW: A very unique boat was parked in the entryway! What precluded this exhibit was Anna’s prior accomplishments.

In 2020, Anna and her brother embarked on a monumental journey, rowing across the Atlantic in 43 days, 15 hours and 22 minutes. They became the first brother/sister team (they dubbed themselves “Team Seablings”) to row an ocean, and the fastest mixed pair. Anna shared their story, recounting the numerous hardships, challenges, and setbacks they encountered. Yet, their story was a testament to the power of attitude, perspective, and perseverance. Even her
mother shared how she leaned on her faith to get her through the worry.

Looking ahead, Anna and Jenny D’Anthony are preparing for their next challenge: a race beginning June 8th in Monterey Bay, California, culminating in Kauai, Hawaii. The crossing is expected to take approximately 60 days and cover 2,800 miles — all in a two-seater rowing boat, with everything needed to survive onboard. The former Clemson roommates and rowing teammates are united in pursuing new challenges. They will race under the banner “United Row,” a non-profit organization they founded to raise funds for charity through extreme
endurance events. Their primary charitable cause is “Hear Her Roar,” which supports women student-athletes at Clemson University. From our sponsored event, United Row received contributions of $1000.