Finalists Named for 2025 National Collegiate and Scholastic Trophy

January 28, 2025 - The finalists for the National Collegiate and Scholastic Trophy were announced today by the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA). The trophy is awarded by both the CSCAA and National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA). It is the highest honor in intercollegiate and interscholastic swimming & diving, and is awarded to the individual who has made "the greatest contribution to swimming and diving as a competitive sport, and as a healthful, recreational activity in the province of undergraduate and scholastic education.”

Cyndi Gallagher, Tracy Huth and Adam Soldati are the three finalists. Each of these individuals has demonstrated unparalleled dedication to fostering excellence both in and out of the pool, and their contributions to student-athletes and their respective programs are truly remarkable.The winner will be selected by CSCAA member coaches and recognized at the 64th Annual CSCAA College Swimming & Diving Awards on May 5th at the Annual Meetings in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The Nominees

Cyndi Gallagher, UCLA

Cyndi Gallagher is a trailblazer in collegiate swimming, known for her exceptional leadership and dedication as the head coach of UCLA's women's swimming and diving team. Over her 31-year tenure, Gallagher guided the Bruins to remarkable success, achieving a dual meet record of 194-104-2 and leading her team to multiple top-10 finishes at the NCAA Championships. A UCLA alumna herself, Gallagher’s illustrious career began as a standout student-athlete, where she earned All-American honors, set school records, and represented the United States on the international stage, including at the Olympic Trials and World University Games. Her passion for the sport extended seamlessly into her coaching career, where she mentored Olympians, NCAA champions, and countless student-athletes who excelled both in and out of the pool.

Gallagher’s legacy goes beyond the accolades; she is celebrated for her holistic approach to coaching, emphasizing personal growth, academic success, and team unity. Under her guidance, Bruins athletes consistently achieved All-American honors and set school and conference records while maintaining strong academic performance, with many earning NCAA postgraduate scholarships and Pac-12 All-Academic recognition. Gallagher also made her mark internationally, serving on prestigious U.S. coaching staffs, including as head coach at the 2007 World University Games. A champion of potential, Gallagher inspired her athletes to thrive in their pursuits, leaving a profound impact on UCLA's program and the broader swimming community.

Tracy Huth, Oakland

Tracy Huth, a CSCAA Top 100 coach and athlete, has dedicated his career to advancing swimming and diving, leaving an indelible mark at Oakland University as both an accomplished coach and athlete. Serving as the head coach of Oakland's women’s swimming and diving program for 11 years, Huth built the team into one of the premier Division II programs in the country while also leading the NCAA Rules Committee. Under his leadership, Oakland's swimmers achieved national recognition, solidifying the program's reputation for excellence. As a former student-athlete himself, Huth was a decorated swimmer, earning 24 All-American honors, 13 individual national championships, and three NCAA Division II Swimmer of the Year awards. Remarkably, he remains the only swimmer in NCAA history to win both the 200- and 400-yard individual medley events in four consecutive seasons. Huth’s contributions as both a competitor and coach reflect his unwavering commitment to the sport and its development at all levels.

Beyond the pool, Huth's leadership extended into athletic administration, where he guided Oakland University through significant milestones. As Athletic Director from 2007 to 2014, he oversaw the school’s transition from the Summit League to the Horizon League, during which Oakland celebrated 73 conference championships and 34 NCAA appearances. Huth also championed a $10.3 million investment in facility enhancements, including state-of-the-art venues for track and field, tennis, baseball, and softball. His vision and dedication created a legacy of success, both athletically and academically, at Oakland University.

Adam Soldati, Purdue

Adam Soldati’s remarkable 19-year tenure as Purdue’s head diving coach has left an enduring legacy on the program and its athletes. Since joining Purdue in 2005, Soldati built one of the nation’s premier diving programs, producing 14 NCAA titles, multiple All-Americans, and Big Ten champions. Known for his commitment to developing athletes both in and out of the pool, Soldati’s influence extended to four-time Olympic medalist David Boudia, Purdue’s most decorated athlete. Soldati’s leadership philosophy focused on creating an environment where athletes could thrive, a principle that has defined his career. Beyond the accolades, his faith, humility, and dedication to his athletes have left an indelible mark on Purdue and the broader diving community.

Diagnosed with ALS in early 2024, Soldati is stepping back from his role as head coach to prioritize his health and spend more time with his family while transitioning to “Director of Diving.” Despite the challenges ahead, he remains steadfast in his faith and optimism, expressing deep gratitude for his time with the Boilermakers. Together with his wife, Kimiko Hirai Soldati, a U.S. Olympian, and their six children, Soldati approaches the next chapter with the same resilience and grace that defined his coaching career. As David Boudia takes the reins as head coach, Soldati’s legacy as a mentor, leader, and innovator will continue to shape the program’s future and inspire the Purdue community for years to come.

How to Vote

Only CSCAA Member-coaches are eligible to vote. Each member may vote one time and ballots are open now through Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

VOTE NOW

About the National Collegiate Scholastic Trophy

The National Collegiate and Scholastic Trophy is presented to the coach who, in the estimation of the recipient’s peers, has "the greatest contribution to swimming and diving as a competitive sport, and as a healthful, recreational activity in the province of undergraduate and scholastic education.” The award is presented annually by both the CSCAA and the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA).

Past Award Winners

Fifty-nine different coaches have won the Trophy over the award’s sixty-two years. The recipients include more than two-dozen Olympic coaches. Collectively, the award winners have captured 192 NCAA team titles.

1990 - Hoble Billingsley, Indiana
1989 - Phil Hansel, University of Houston
1988 - John Higgins, US Naval Academy
1987 - Richard Kimball, Michigan
1986 - Donald Gambril, Alabama
1985 - Raymond Bussard, Tennessee
1984 - Jack Ryan, US Military Academy
1983 - Robert F. Busbey, Cleveland State
1982 - Richard E. Steadman, Monmouth
1981 - Charles J. Butt, Bowdoin College
1980 - Gus Stager, Michigan
1979 - Philip E. Moriarty, Yale University
1978 - Jack McGuire, Iowa State
1977 - Peter Daland, USC
1976 - George F. Haines, UCLA
1975 - James E. Counsilman, Indiana
1974 - G. Robert Mowerson, Minnesota
1973 - Ted Webster, Syracuse University
1972 - Alfred R. Barr, Southern Methodist
1971 - Charles E. Silvia, Springfield
1970 - David H. Robertson, New Trier HS
1969 - Robert B. Muir, Williams College
1968 - Soichi Sakamato, Hawaii
1967 - Karl B. Michael, Dartmouth
1966 - Charles McCaffree, Michigan State
1965 - Richard Papenguth, Purdue
1964 - Harold S. Ulen, Harvard
1963 - Dave Armbruster, Iowa
1962 - Mike Peppe, Ohio State
1961 - Matt Mann, Oklahoma
1960 - Robert J. Kiphuth, Yale
1959 - Edward T Kennedy, Columbia

2024 - Steve Collins, Southern Methodist University

2023 - Peter Hovland, Oakland University 2022 - Nic Askew,Howard University
2020 - Joel Shinofield, CSCAA/USA Swimming
2019 - Eddie Sinnott, Southern Methodist University
2018 - Peter Linn, Eastern Michigan University
2017 - Susan Teeter, Princeton & Kris Kubik, Texas
2016 - Gregg Wilson, UC-Santa Barbara
2015 - Jon Howell, Emory University
2014 - Tim Welsh, Notre Dame
2013 - Matt Kredich, Tennessee
2012 - Ron Ballatore, UCLA/Florida
2011 - Gregg Parini, Denison University
2010 - Gregg Troy, Florida
2009 - Frank Keefe, Yale University, Ret.
2008 - Greg Earhart, Collegeswimming.
2007 - Don Megerle, Tufts University
2006 - Don Gambril, Alabama, Retired
2005 - Frank Busch, Arizona
2004 - Jon Urbanchek, Michigan
2003 - David Marsh, Auburn University
2002 - Teri McKeever, California
2001 - Richard Quick, Stanford University
2000 - David Marsh, Auburn University
1999 - Jean Freeman, Minnesota
1998 - Jack Bauerle, Georgia
1997 - Dr. Samuel J Freas, ISHOF
1996 - Jon Urbanchek, Michigan
1995 - Jim Steen, Kenyon College
1994 - Don Easterling, North Carolina St
1993 - Eddie Reese, University of Texas
1992 - Ernie Maglischo, CSU-Bakersfield
1991 - Nort Thornton, California

Awards, Annual MeetingsSamantha BaranyJanuary 29, 2025