Makayla Pugliese-Thompson – Class of 2022
Class of 2022 graduate Makayla Pugliese-Thompson will take on a four-day, 100km solo swim this November to raise awareness and funds for Zero2Hero.
At Holy Cross College, students are encouraged to have Life to the Full: to be known, challenged and supported to become the best version of themselves. When Makayla (Maka) graduated in 2022, she took that spirit with her, along with a deep appreciation for community, for looking after the people around you and for having the confidence to give things a go. Four years on, those values are shaping one of the most ambitious challenges of her life.
From Wednesday 4 November to Saturday 7 November 2026, Maka will swim 100km in the Scarborough 50m pool to raise awareness and funds for youth mental health through Zero2Hero.
A Holy Cross story
Striving for her personal best was central to Maka’s time at the College. She was involved in ACC and NEAS sport, performed in College productions and served as College Captain, an experience she says fuelled her passion for working with people and creating positive experiences through sport.
“A lot of what I took from Holy Cross was the importance of community, looking after the people around you and having the confidence to get involved and give things a go,” Maka says. “These are values that have continued to influence what I do now.”
Since graduating, Maka has been studying a Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sport Science at Edith Cowan University while working in the sport industry. She also plays WAFLW for East Perth. Her approach is simple: take every opportunity that comes your way, fill your cup and live Life to the Full.
The challenge
Maka’s swim is a solo effort, though she hopes others will join her in the lane to keep her motivated and support the cause. Preparing has meant gradually building her swimming volume and endurance while balancing university, football and work, and making sure she recovers well along the way.
“There are going to be moments when I’m tired and uncomfortable, but having a bigger purpose gives me something to focus on,” she says. “If swimming 100km can help start conversations about youth mental health and encourage even one young person to reach out for support, then every kilometre will be worth it.”
Why youth mental health
For Maka, having Life to the Full means looking after the whole person, and that includes mental health. She chose to support Zero2Hero because she believes in supporting young people before they reach a point of crisis.
“Young people deserve to feel supported, heard and comfortable talking about what they’re going through,” she says. “Sometimes we wait until someone is struggling significantly before we have those conversations, when they should be happening much earlier.”
A message for current students
Her message to today’s Holy Cross students is simple. “You never have to deal with something alone. Looking after your mental health is just as important as looking after your physical health, and reaching out for support is a strength, not a weakness. It took me a long time to figure that one out.”
How you can support Maka
– Donate through Maka’s fundraising page
– Share the fundraiser with friends and family
– Follow the challenge on Instagram at @maka.pt
– Cheer her on at the pool if you’re in the area
We are proud of Maka and the way she is living out the values of community, courage and care for others that she learnt at Holy Cross. She is a wonderful example of what it means to embrace Life to the Full, and we wish her every success in November.