Social Media Innovator, Kyle Sockwell, Named Franklin Winner

Kyle Sockwell has been named the CSCAA’s Ben Franklin Award Winner. Photo Credit: Arizona State University

February 15, 2024 - Former Arizona State swimmer, Kyle Sockwell has been named the Ben Franklin Award recipient by the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA). This award, selected by the CSCAA’s Board of Directors, recognizes a swimming or diving graduate whose efforts and innovations best promote the integrity and enhancement of the student-athlete ideal. Sockwell will be recognized at the 63rd Annual CSCAA Annual Awards on May 6th in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Even though Sockwell's competitive swimming days at ASU are over, his influence on college swimming has only expanded since he left the pool. As the President & CEO of Swimming Twitter, he is committed to promoting college swimming in a positive light through social media, fostering enthusiasm and awareness within the community.

In addition to his role at Swimming Twitter, Sockwell also partners with the USA Swimming Network, a free video-on-demand destination for athlete lifestyle content, recent event highlights and exclusive training and nutrition videos.

Sockwell’s impact as a prominent swimming social influencer, has been overwhelmingly positive, offering insightful commentary and humor to those who “follow” him around the globe. Through his work, he draws more eyes to the sport of swimming and keeps people engaged, especially during times when they might not be otherwise. “Congratulations to Kyle Sockwell on receiving the CSCAA Ben Franklin Award. Kyle's unwavering passion for college swimming has not only fueled his own success but has also brought tremendous attention to our sport” said Bob Bowman, Head ASU Swimming and Diving Coach. “His dedication, commitment, and love for the sport exemplify the values we, as coaches, strive to instill in all our athletes. We are incredibly proud of his achievements and know that he will continue to inspire with his work."

In his multifaceted roles, Kyle Sockwell is steadfast in his mission to ignite passion and enthusiasm for swimming. Whether through innovative social media initiatives, captivating video content, or dynamic commentary, Sockwell continues to inspire fellow swimmers and enthusiasts, fostering a vibrant and flourishing swimming culture.

Samantha Barany, Executive Director of CSCAA, congratulates Sockwell on receiving the Ben Franklin Award, remarking, “Through his dedication to college swimming, Kyle has sparked a wave of positive momentum within our community.”

As Sockwell continues to elevate the exposure of college swimming, his timing could not be more important, notes Barany. “As all NCAA Olympic sports prepare for a time of transition, there is no better time than now to have someone bringing forward the exceptional stories of our college athletes and teams. The future of college swimming and diving is brighter because of the energy Kyle brings to his craft and the awareness he brings to our sport.”

CSCAA members can register for the 63rd Annual Meetings and Awards Celebration at www.cscaa.org/meetings. All registrations include a ticket to the Award Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis. Questions can be directed to: [email protected]

Previous Recipients

2023 - John Urbanchek, Head Coach University of Michigan 2022 - Sage Hopkins, Head Coach and Advocate 2021 - Tim Welsh, Head Coach & Educator
2019 - John Benedick, Head Coach & Administrator
2018 - Kevin Polansky, Announcer & Supporter
2017 - Michael Sutton, Head Coach & Administrator
2016 - Brad Erickson, Head Coach & Administrator
2015 - Robert Clauson, Innovator
2014 - Bill Boomer, Coach
2013 - Whit Babcock, Athletic Director
2012 - Brent Rutemiller, Publisher
2011 - David Roach, Athletic Director
2010 - Ernie Maglischo, Retired
2009 - Susan Petersen Lubow, Athletic Director
2008 - Dr. Myles Brand, NCAA President

About the CSCAA

Founded in 1922, the College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) is the first professional association of college coaches in the United States.  The CSCAA is dedicated to serving and providing leadership for the advancement of the sport of swimming and diving at the collegiate level. The CSCAA works to

  • protect, promote and expand competitive intercollegiate swimming and diving programs; 

  • recognize outstanding achievements by coaches, swimmers and divers;

  • promote communication and cooperation within swimming and diving and with our partner National Governing Bodies, the NCAA, NAIA and Junior College Associations;

  • provide ongoing educational and leadership training for coaches and athletes; and serve as a resource to its membership and for the general public.

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