The International Swimming Coaches Association (ISCA) proudly hosted the inaugural ORCA Awards, a groundbreaking event recognizing excellence, leadership, and service aiming at honoring the grassroots of our sport. The event brought together athletes, coaches, families, and industry leaders for an evening dedicated to celebrating the individuals who continue to shape and elevate the sport.
Designed to honor achievement from age group swimming through the highest levels of competition, the ORCA Awards highlighted the full spectrum of the swimming community. Age group athletes from across the country were recognized for their performances, reinforcing ISCA’s commitment to supporting and celebrating the next generation of swimmers. The evening also featured the ISCA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, with inductees Matt Kredich, Ray Looze, and Kate Lundsten recognized for their lasting impact and contributions that have helped shape the sport for generations.
Coaches were also at the forefront of the celebration, with awards spanning NCAA Divisions I, II, and III, as well as NAIA, NJCAA, YMCA, and club programs. These honors recognized not only competitive success, but also the leadership, mentorship, and lasting impact coaches have on their athletes and communities.
College Coach of the Year Awards
Division I – Herbie Behm (ASU)
Division II – Jimi Kiner (University of Tampa)
Division III – Trevor Miele (New York University)
NAIA – Adam Epstein (Keiser University)
NJCAA- Sion Brinn (Indian River State College)
Special Coaching Awards
Tom Himes Award – Age Group Coach of the Year – Gabriela Sofia (Highlands Ranch)
Mark Schubert Award – Senior Club Coach of the Year – Steve Morsili (Pleasanton Seahawks)
Mike Leonard Award – YMCA Coach of the Year – Dave Anderson (Schroeder YMCA)
Open Water Swimmers of the Year (18 & Under)
Male – Gabriel Mantuefel (Sandpipers)
Female – Brinkleigh Hansen (SPA)
USA Swimming Age Group Swimmer Awards
Boys
Senior: Luka Mijatovic (Pleasanton Seahawks)
15-16: Syunta Lee (West Coast Aquatics)
14: Jayden Tsai (Laker Swim)
13: Jude Burkhart (NBAC)
12: Alex Kirsling (Nitro Swimming)
11: Ethan Zhang (Sarasota Tsunami)
10: Luca Ferrera (SPA)
9: Gabriel Brown (Fishers Area Swim Team)
Girls
Senior: Charlotte Crush (Lakeside Swim Team)
15-16: Rylee Erisman (Windermere Lakers)
14: Finola Whelehan (TAC Titans)
13: Grace Gannon (Fishers Area Swimming Tigers)
12: Collins Kim (SwimMAC)
11: Anabelle Hayes (Irvine Novaquatics)
10: Elizabeth Burke (Madison Aquatic Club)
9: Reign Belzer (Florida Atlantic Aquatics)
ISCA Awards
ISCA Coach of the Year: Rich Rogers (Florida Atlantic Aquatics)
Brent Rutemiller Award: Joe Keller (Fishers Area Swim Team)
Heart of the Sport: Sawyer Hanson (SPA)
Family Dedication Award: Finke Family
Giving Award: Don Heidary (Orinda Aquatics)
Best Swimming Book: Just Add Water by Katie Ledecky
Best Team Social Media Presence: RacerX Aquatics
In addition to performance-based awards, the ORCA Awards placed a strong emphasis on those who give back to the sport in meaningful ways. The Heart of the Sport Award was presented to Sawyer Hansen, whose annual swim-a-thons benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital have raised more than $115,000. Hansen’s efforts exemplify the power of swimming as a platform for purpose and community impact.
Additional honors included the ISCA Coach of the Year Award, the Brent Rutemiller Award, the Family Dedication Award, and the Lifetime Giving Award, each recognizing individuals and families whose contributions extend far beyond the pool.
The ORCA Awards were created to celebrate the people who make our sport so special. From young athletes to veteran coaches and those giving back in extraordinary ways, this event reflects the strength and spirit of the swimming community.
The inaugural ORCA Awards mark the beginning of what ISCA envisions as an annual tradition, continuing to recognize excellence and inspire future generations within the sport.
For more information about ISCA and future events, please visit www.swimisca.org.
