January 14, 2025 — The College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) proudly announces Cyndi Gallagher as the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Richard E. Steadman Award. The honor is conferred annually to a swimming or diving coach in high school, club, or university ranks who has done the most to spread happiness in Coach Steadman’s beloved sport of swimming and diving.
Gallagher’s remarkable career as both an elite athlete and coach has left an enduring mark on the sport at the national level. A lifelong Bruin, Gallagher’s deep roots in swimming began as a standout competitor at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she earned All-American honors, set multiple school records, and represented the United States on the international stage, including competition at the Olympic Trials and the World University Games.
“Cyndi Gallagher has earned the deep respect of her colleagues across collegiate swimming and diving, and that respect is built on decades of leadership, consistency, and care for the people around her,” said Samantha Barany, Executive Director of the CSCAA. “Her legacy is a lasting one, and even in retirement, Cyndi continues to bring energy, positivity, and purpose to the pool deck. That enduring influence is exactly what the Richard E. Steadman Award is meant to recognize.”
“I was incredibly fortunate to serve alongside Cyndi Gallagher for 20 years at UCLA,” said Tom Stebbins, UCLA head diving coach. “She was an accomplished coach, a thoughtful leader, and a deeply caring teacher who consistently challenged those around her to grow — both in and out of the pool. Cyndi invested countless hours guiding student-athletes toward their individual goals and was equally devoted to her staff and colleagues, always listening, supporting, and mentoring with intention. A true trailblazer for women in coaching, she shared her wisdom generously — all while bringing joy, humor, and a little Bruce Springsteen to the pool deck. It is a tremendous honor to see her recognized with the Richard E. Steadman Award.”
Following her competitive success, Gallagher transitioned into coaching and became one of the most respected leaders in collegiate swimming and diving. Over a distinguished 31-year tenure as head coach of the UCLA women’s swimming and diving program, she became the winningest coach in program history, compiling a 202-107-2 dual meet record and guiding her teams to multiple top-10 NCAA Championship finishes.
Under Gallagher’s leadership, Bruin student-athletes achieved exceptional competitive and academic success, including 11 Olympians, 21 conference champions, and 91 All-Americans, earning a total of 205 All-America honors during her tenure. She was a two-time Pac-10 Coach of the Year and a model of mentorship and integrity, fostering excellence, teamwork, and personal growth among her student-athletes.
Gallagher’s influence extended well beyond the pool deck. Her legacy includes not only outstanding competitive achievements, but also the development of generations of coaches and athletes who embody the highest values of collegiate athletics , leadership, accountability, gratitude, and service to others.
CSCAA members can register for the Annual Meetings and Awards Celebration here. All registrations include a ticket to the Awards Ceremony at Joe’s Live! Questions can be directed to: [email protected].
Previous Recipients
2025 – Rob Butcher, Swim Across America
2024 – Doug Grooms, Missouri S&T
2023 – Dan Colella, Duke University
2022 – Sam Kendricks, Voice of College Swimming
2022 – Dan Ross, Purdue University
2020 – Mike Rawleigh, Gettysburg College
2019 – Barbara Jahn, UC-Davis
2018 – Cliff Devries, Rochester Institute of Technology
2017 – Casey Converse, Air Force Academy
2016 – Erin Hurley, Grinnell College
2015 – C. Rob Orr, Princeton University
2014 – Wally Morton, Cleveland State University
2013 – Nancy Bigelow, Tufts University
2012 – George Kennedy, Johns Hopkins University
2011 – Harvey Humphries, University of Georgia
2010 – Jean Freeman, University of Minnesota
2009 – Peter Accardy, Cal State Northridge
2008 – Jim Richardson, University of Michigan, Cathy Wright-Eger, Purdue University
2007 – Jim Ellis, Philadelphia Dept. of Rec
2006 – Bob Pearson, Macalester College
2005 – Anne Goodman James, University of Arkansas
2004 – Paula Miller, Ithaca College
2003 – Tony Lisa, Rowan University
2002 – Bob Groseth, Northwestern University
2001 – John Mattos, Colorado State University
2000 – David Hauck, St. Olaf College
1999 – Bill Miller, Clarion University
1998 – Don Gambril, University of Alabama
1997 – Susan Bassett, William Smith College
1996 – Bill Campbell, University of Maryland
1995 – Archie Harris, Illinois State University
1994 – Charlie Butt, Bowdoin College
1993 – Tim Welsh, University of Notre Dame
1992 – Donald R. Megerle, Tufts University
About the 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.
