By: Li Wen Su, PR Specialist
Steve Ness’s passion for swimming began at an early age. He was confidently navigating the water before he started grade school. Growing up, his love for the sport only deepened, shaping his character and defining his journey. After moving to Houston in 1980, Steve and his sister, Julia, became standout competitors for the Ashford Whales swim team, where they sharpened their skills and developed a profound respect for teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. Their dedication to the sport extended beyond competition, as both later served as dedicated coaches, mentoring young swimmers and instilling in them the same enthusiasm and work ethic that had fueled their success.
Steve’s swimming mastery carried into his high school years at Alief Elsik High School, where he excelled in the pool and demonstrated a relentless drive to push himself to new heights. His passion for endurance sports later led him to national recognition in the triathlon circuit, where he competed with the same unwavering determination that had defined his early years.
As soon as Steve arrived at Texas Tech, he was diagnosed with CML leukemia. He was forced to return to Houston to continue his classes at the University of Houston while undergoing treatment at MD Anderson. While in remission, he alternated universities until his symptoms returned and disrupted his education. Many of his accomplishments occurred during this time. Though his life was tragically cut short, Steve’s impact on the swimming community endures. To honor his legacy, the Steve Ness Sportsmanship Award has been presented annually since 1997, recognizing athletes who exemplify the values he held dear—dedication, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
Swimming was once a cornerstone of the Alief community, playing a vital role in the development of countless young athletes. During the 1980s, neighborhood swim teams flourished, bringing families together and fostering a strong sense of community pride. Elementary schools offered water safety lessons at the natatorium, ensuring that children learned essential lifesaving skills from an early age. The natatorium was more than just a facility; it was a hub of activity, a place where friendships were formed, and futures were shaped.
Thanks to the generosity of the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., the impact of the Alief’s rich aquatic tradition is being revived. Their substantial $25,000 donation will help renovate the Steven Lloyd Ness Natatorium, breathing new life into a space that once inspired young swimmers. This revitalization project is more than just a physical transformation—it represents a renewed commitment to ensuring that future generations have access to life-saving swim education, competitive aquatic sports, and the sense of community that swimming fosters. Steve’s father, Ron, expressed his sentiments about the revitalization project: “I hope that the Alief natatorium provides benefits and services to the entire local community through opportunities for exercise and instruction in safe water activities."
The significance of this initiative extends far beyond competitive swimming. The Houston Police Dive Team, which once trained at the natatorium, understands firsthand the critical importance of swimming proficiency. Sergeant Eddy Godwin, an Elsik graduate and HPD Dive Team leader, emphasized its life-saving potential. “Everyone needs to know how to swim. Drowning is a leading cause of childhood death, and a natatorium offering swim education will save lives,” he said.
Through this restoration, children in Alief will once again have the opportunity to learn how to swim, equipping them with invaluable skills that will protect them for a lifetime. Molly Anne, Steve’s mother, is excited about the future of the natatorium. “I envision the Alief natatorium to be a convenient place to experience enjoyable recreation and to learn skills for healthy living and water safety," she said. The reestablishment of a strong swimming culture in the community will not only provide a pathway for aspiring athletes but also serve as a crucial measure in drowning prevention.
The revitalization of the Steven Lloyd Ness Natatorium is more than just a renovation—it is a tribute to a man whose passion for swimming touched countless lives. “I hope that everyone who walks into the Steven Lloyd Ness Natatorium will appreciate Steve’s love for swimming, his legacy, and the importance of knowing how to swim,” shared Steven’s sister, Julia Ness Godwin. This will be a testament to Steve Ness’s lifelong dedication to the sport and the values he embodied, as well as an investment in the safety, well-being, and future of Alief’s youth.