Coaches Vote Adam Soldati 2025 National Scholastic and Collegiate Trophy Winner
Members of the College Swimming Coaches Association of America have voted for Adam Soldati as the 2025 winner of the National Scholastic and Collegiate Trophy, the CSCAA announced Friday night.
The award recognizes, “individuals who have made the greatest contributions to swimming & diving, both competitively and recreationally.” Previous recipients are listed here.
Soldati stepped down in the spring of 2024 after 19 years turning Purdue diving into one of the preeminent programs in the NCAA. Since arriving in West Lafayette in 2005, he mentored divers who collected 14 NCAA titles, all since 2009. His divers won 34 USA Diving championships, and he mentored three American Olympians, including Steele Johnson, Brandon Loschiavo and gold medalist and four-time Olympic medalist David Boudia.
Soldati won the award in balloting among CSCAA coaches over former UCLA coach Cyndi Gallagher and longtime Oakland coach and athletic administrator Tracy Huth, the finalists named late last month.
“Soldati’s leadership philosophy was centered around fostering a culture of integrity, work ethic, and holistic development,” CSCAA wrote in its awards announcement. “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.”
Soldati was diagnosed with ALS in early 2024. He coached through the end of the season, before assistant coach Boudia took over the program. He has transitioned to a director of diving role as part of the changeover and to remain involved in the program while he, wife (and Olympic diver) Kimiko Hirai Soldati and their six children approach battling the disease.
“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,” CSCAA executive director Samantha Barany said in a press release. “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.”
