2025 NSOF ATHLETE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

The Navy Special Operations Foundation (NSOF) Athlete Ambassador Program showcases the dedication and drive of athletes who compete in extraordinary events to raise funds for Navy Special Operations families.

These incredible ambassadors represent the resilience and spirit of the Navy Special Operations community by pushing their limits in Ironman triathlons, cycling challenges, mountain biking races, and other endurance events. Through their efforts, they raise vital funds to support NSOF programs that provide critical resources, create meaningful experiences, and honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes.

Meet Athlete Ambassador: Shane Schwarze

Shane Schwarze is an Active Duty Navy Deep Sea Diver with over 11 years of service. His career has taken him across the globe, from Bahrain, Greece, and Spain, supporting forward-deployed maintenance, to liaising with the Canadian Pacific Fleet on cutting-edge research and development of unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). He also deployed to SOUTHCOM, where he established mentorship programs in Belize, Chile, Brazil, and Jamaica to promote interoperability with allied forces. Currently, Shane serves as part of an elite team with the only Navy Saturation Fly Away Dive System!

Beyond his operational expertise, Shane is a dedicated athlete:
Avid runner & CrossFit Level 1 Coach
Bridger Ridge Trail Run & Ragnar Trail Run competitor
Army Air Force Half Marathon finisher

His next major challenge?
Ironman 70.3 – May 10, 2025

For Shane, fundraising for NSOF is deeply personal:
"I firmly believe in the mission of NSOF. The demanding nature of the Navy, particularly in Navy EOD and Diver communities, requires exceptional resources and support. I’ve personally benefited from an NSOF post-deployment retreat at Great Wolf Lodge—it gave me time to reconnect with my family in a low-stress, fun environment. These initiatives are so important, and with the direction the world is going, I can only predict that these communities are going to need more support. If I can give back to NSOF and raise awareness for their programs so my colleagues can benefit too, then it’s the least I can do."

Every dollar donated makes a lasting impact. Join us in supporting Shane and the NSOF Athlete Ambassador Program. Together, we can strengthen and empower Navy Special Operations families.