Cyndi Gallagher Named 2026 Winner of Richard E. Steadman Award
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 that ended in 2019, 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.
Richard E. Steadman Award 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
— The above press release was posted by Swimming World in conjunction with CSCAA. For press releases and advertising inquiries please contact Advertising@SwimmingWorld.com.
