Rob Butcher Named Richard E. Steadman Award Winner by CSCAA
Rob Butcher has been named the 2025 winner of the Richard E. Steadman Award by the College Swim Coaches Association of America.
Butcher has served as the President and CEO of Swim Across America since 2016, a period of significant growth for the organization that has raised millions of dollars to support cancer research and treatment. Butcher came to this calling in part after losing his mother to cancer in 2007. SAA has raised over $100 million for cancer research since its founding in 1987.
Butcher came to SAA after a seven-year tenure at U.S. Masters Swimming, changing the organizational structure of USMS. Under his leadership, USMS developed a Masters Coach Certification program and created adult learn-to-swim programs. Membership grew by more than 50 percent, and revenue tripled to $3.6 million.
The Richard E. Steadman Award recognizes “exceptional leadership, dedication, and contributions to the swimming community.” It will be handed out by CSCAA at its Annual Meetings and Awards Celebration in Raleigh, N.C., May 4-6.
“Rob Butcher exemplifies the very spirit of the Steadman Award—leadership, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to serving others,” Samantha Barany, Executive Director of the CSCAA, said in a press release. “Through the water, he fights cancer every day, and we are all better off for his dedication to making a difference. Rob has profoundly impacted the swimming community and every community where Swim Across America has a presence. His passion for people and his ability to spread happiness wherever he goes are truly inspiring.”
Butcher lives in Charlotte with his wife, Allison, and two sons. He swam at Georgia Southern, competing in Olympic Trials in 2000.
A list of previous recipients of the Richard Steadman Award is available here.
