January 28, 2024 - The College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking sponsorship by the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics. CSCAA and the Knight Commission share the priority of advancing education and professional development opportunities for intercollegiate swimming and diving coaches.

The Knight Commission will sponsor scholarships for women and racial minorities to engage in a program designed to empower coaches through immersive educational experiences. Six deserving individuals will be awarded scholarships that cover travel, transportation, and registrations for key events within the intercollegiate swimming and diving coaching community. Upon completion, each participant will be awarded a certificate for completing this foundational coach education program.

The scholarship recipients will have the unique opportunity to participate in four educational programs highlighted below:

The CSCAA Coach Academy: A comprehensive program designed to empower coaches with the most recent insights, strategies, and best practices within the realm of intercollegiate coaching. This program entails approximately ten hours of professional development, covering key areas such as leadership, recruiting, budget management, interview and resume building, fundraising, and more. Notably, the Coach Academy is seamlessly integrated with the CSCAA Annual Meetings, offering a cohesive experience that imparts meaningful and enduring lessons.

The CSCAA Annual Meetings: The event stands out as a premier convention for swimming and diving, cultivating collaboration and networking within the collegiate community. The CSCAA AM’s serve as a pivotal platform for collegiate coaches to engage in essential collaborations, shaping the trajectory of college swimming and diving. Attendees not only come together for impactful discussions but also benefit from access to presentations and educational programs delivered by fellow coaches, administrators, and influential figures within the industry.

The CSCAA Fundraising Summer Cohort: An exclusive program dedicated to crafting fundraising strategies specifically tailored to address the distinctive challenges encountered by intercollegiate swimming and diving programs. Spanning over six weeks during the summer, this specialized initiative extends its impact with follow-up sessions throughout the academic year. The program guides new fundraisers, ensuring they navigate successfully through the intricacies and launch effective campaigns for their collegiate programs.

The CSCAA Mentoring Network: Recognized as one of the CSCAA's highly sought-after initiatives, the mentoring network establishes connections between seasoned and veteran coaches with their newer counterparts within the collegiate system. This collaborative platform fosters a supportive environment, facilitating professional growth for coaches at all levels. It is an essential program for individuals seeking to broaden their network, gain insights from peers, and cultivate enduring relationships that will provide steadfast support throughout their careers.

The CSCAA and the Knight Commission share a commitment to elevate the standard of coaching excellence in intercollegiate swimming and diving. The Knight Commission's sponsorship of the CSCAA Coach Academy scholarships underscores their dedication to fostering a culture of continuous learning and development within the coaching community.

"We are excited to join forces with the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics to provide invaluable educational opportunities for coaches in the field of intercollegiate coaching. This sponsorship aligns with our mission to enhance the professional development of coaches and ultimately contribute to the success of student-athletes," said Samantha Barany, Executive Director of the CSCAA.

The Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics shares in this enthusiasm, recognizing the importance of investing in the growth and education of coaches to positively impact the student-athlete experience.

"The Commission has long championed the need for a credential that recognizes the important role of coaches as educators. The Commission is pleased to fund scholarships for racial minorities and women to participate in this comprehensive program.”

Scholarship applications are now open. Apply Here.

About CSCAA:

Founded in 1922, the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) – the first organization of college coaches in America -is a professional organization of college swimming and diving coaches dedicated to serving and providing leadership for the advancement of the sport of swimming & diving at the collegiate level. With a mission to protect, preserve and expand college swimming and diving opportunities, the CSCAA provides valuable resources, educational opportunities, and leadership development to its members, fostering a thriving and competitive collegiate swimming and diving community.

About The Knight Commission on Intercollegaite Athletics:

The Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics is an independent organization committed to promoting reforms that prioritize the educational mission of college sports. Through research, policy advocacy, and collaboration with stakeholders, the Knight Commission works to ensure that intercollegiate athletics programs align with the values of higher education.