Coaches Vote Adam Soldati as 2025 National Collegiate Scholastic Trophy Winner
Adam Soldati, Director of Diving at Purdue has been selected by members of the CSCAA for the 2023 National Collegiate Scholastic Trophy.
February 7, 2025 - The CSCAA is honored to recognize Adam Soldati as the 2025 recipient of the National Scholastic and Collegiate Trophy, following a vote by the CSCAA membership. The award is CSCAA highest honor, recognizing individuals who have made the greatest contributions to swimming & diving, both competitively and recreationally. Adam’s outstanding career as a diving coach and his dedication to the sport have earned him this well-deserved recognition.
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. His dedication to developing athletes both in and out of the pool earned him the prestigious National Scholastic and Collegiate Trophy, a testament to his excellence in both academics and athletics.
Known for his commitment to creating an environment where athletes could thrive, Soldati’s influence extended to four-time Olympic medalist David Boudia, Purdue’s most decorated athlete. Soldati’s leadership philosophy was centered around fostering a culture of integrity, work ethic, and holistic development. His impact transcended competition, as his faith, humility, and unwavering dedication to his athletes have left an indelible mark on Purdue and the broader diving community.
Samantha Barany, Executive Director of the CSCAA, reflects on Soldati’s exceptional influence, stating: "All of the finalists for the National Scholastic and Collegiate Trophy exemplify an incredible commitment to both their athletic and academic endeavors, and we are proud to recognize all three finalists. We are excited to announce Adam as the 2025 recipient of this award. Adam is a coach who has not only produced champions but has mentored young athletes with deep care and respect. His legacy will be felt for generations to come, and we are all grateful for the foundation he has laid for the future of diving at Purdue and beyond."
In early 2024, Soldati was diagnosed with ALS and decided to step back from his role as head coach to prioritize his health and spend more time with his family. He transitioned to the role of "Director of Diving," ensuring continuity for the program he helped build. Despite the challenges ahead, Soldati 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 this 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.
CSCAA members can register for the 64th Annual Meetings and Awards Celebration at www.cscaa.org/meetings-scroll. All Annual Meeting registrations include a ticket to the Award Ceremony. Questions can be directed to: all@cscaa.org
Previous Recipients
2024 - Steve Collins, Southern Methodist University. 2023 - Pete Hovland, Oakland University 2022 - Nic Askew, Howard University 2021 - 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, University of Notre Dame
2013 - Matt Kredich, University ofTennessee
2012 - Ron Ballatore, UCLA/Florida
2011 - Gregg Parini, Denison University
2010 - Gregg Troy, University of Florida
2009 - Frank Keefe, Yale University, Ret.
2008 - Greg Earhart, SwimCloud
2007 - Don Megerle, Tufts University
2006 - Don Gambril, University of Alabama, Retired
2005 - Frank Busch, University of Arizona
2004 - Jon Urbanchek, University of Michigan
2003 - David Marsh, Auburn University
2002 - Teri McKeever, California, Berkeley
2001 - Richard Quick, Stanford University
2000 - David Marsh, Auburn University
1999 - Jean Freeman, University of Minnesota
1998 - Jack Bauerle, University of Georgia
1997 - Dr. Samuel J Freas, ISHOF
1996 - Jon Urbanchek, University of Michigan
1995 - Jim Steen, Kenyon College
1994 - Don Easterling, North Carolina State University
1993 - Eddie Reese, University of Texas
1992 - Ernie Maglischo, CSU-Bakersfield
1991 - Nort Thornton, California
1990 - Hoble Billingsley, University of Indiana
1989 - Phil Hansel, University of Houston
1988 - John Higgins, US Naval Academy
1987 - Richard Kimball, University of Michigan
1986 - Donald Gambril, University of Alabama
1985 - Raymond Bussard, University of Tennessee
1984 - Jack Ryan, US Military Academy
1983 - Robert F. Busbey, Cleveland State University
1982 - Richard E. Steadman, Monmouth University
1981 - Charles J. Butt, Bowdoin College
1980 - Gus Stager, University of Michigan
1979 - Philip E. Moriarty, Yale University
1978 - Jack McGuire, Iowa State University
1977 - Peter Daland, University of Southern California
1976 - George F. Haines, UCLA
1975 - James E. Counsilman, University of Indiana
1974 - G. Robert Mowerson, University of Minnesota
1973 - Ted Webster, Syracuse University
1972 - Alfred R. Barr, Southern Methodist University
1971 - Charles E. Silvia, Springfield College
1970 - David H. Robertson, New Trier HS
1969 - Robert B. Muir, Williams College
1968 - Soichi Sakamato, University of Hawaii
1967 - Karl B. Michael, Dartmouth
1966 - Charles McCaffree, Michigan State University
1965 - Richard Papenguth, Purdue University
1964 - Harold S. Ulen, Harvard University
1963 - Dave Armbruster, University of Iowa
1962 - Mike Peppe, Ohio State University
1961 - Matt Mann, University of Oklahoma
1960 - Robert J. Kiphuth, Yale University
1959 - Edward T Kennedy, Columbia University