Centre College’s swimming and diving community is mourning the death of alumnus Benjamin Webster, who died Saturday following a battle with cancer. His passing has left teammates, coaches, friends, and members of the wider college community grieving the loss of a young man remembered for his dedication, kindness, and positive spirit.
The Centre College Swim & Dive program announced Webster’s death in a heartfelt Facebook post, describing him as a beloved teammate, student, fraternity brother, and devoted ambassador for the college. The announcement highlighted the lasting impact he made both in the pool and in the lives of those who knew him.
Webster was a native of Lexington, Kentucky, and attended Henry Clay High School before continuing his education and swimming career at Centre College. During his time with the team, he competed primarily in sprint and distance freestyle events and continued to improve throughout his college career. In his final competitive season, he recorded personal-best performances in the 100- and 200-yard freestyle events.
One of the standout moments of Webster’s swimming career came at the 2025 Southern Athletic Association Championships in February. He advanced to the finals of the 200-yard freestyle and finished seventh with a time of 1:45.15. The performance represented one of the memorable achievements of his time as a collegiate swimmer and reflected the determination he brought to competition.
Webster’s influence extended far beyond Centre College’s pool. During the summer months, he coached young swimmers with the Pinnacle Pirates, where he quickly developed a reputation as a favorite among the athletes. According to the team’s announcement, his infectious smile, strong work ethic, and consistently positive attitude made a lasting impression on the swimmers he coached as well as the teammates and competitors who knew him.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in from members of the Centre College community and others who had crossed paths with Webster through swimming. Friends and former teammates shared messages expressing their love, gratitude, and sorrow, remembering him as someone whose presence brought warmth and encouragement to those around him.
One friend remembered Webster as one of the sweetest people she had met through the swimming program, while another former teammate described him simply as the best and said he would be deeply missed. A former Pinnacle Pirates coach also paid tribute to Webster, saying it had been an honor to coach him and offering prayers and condolences to his family and friends.
Even people who had never known Webster personally were touched by the memories shared after his death. Some pointed to the loud and lasting applause he received at his college graduation as evidence of the regard in which he was held. Others, reflecting on the stories and tributes posted by those who knew him, described him as a person who appeared to have treated others with genuine warmth, kindness, and compassion.
The Centre College Swim & Dive program also noted that Webster’s brother, Luke, is an alumnus of the team, further connecting the Webster family to the program and its community. The team has asked supporters to keep the Webster family and his loved ones in their thoughts as they navigate the difficult days ahead.
Funeral arrangements had not yet been finalized at the time of the announcement. Centre College’s swimming and diving community said additional information would be shared once arrangements were confirmed. In the meantime, the program encouraged friends, teammates, and supporters to come together, remember Webster’s life, and support one another in his honor.
For those who knew Benjamin Webster, his legacy appears to extend well beyond his accomplishments as a swimmer. He is being remembered as a teammate who cared deeply about those around him, a coach who inspired young athletes, and a member of the Centre College community whose smile, determination, and kindness left a lasting impression.
