{"id":634751,"date":"2026-01-14T12:59:26","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T19:59:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=634751"},"modified":"2026-01-14T12:59:26","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T19:59:26","slug":"cyndi-gallagher-named-2026-winner-of-richard-e-steadman-award","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/cyndi-gallagher-named-2026-winner-of-richard-e-steadman-award\/","title":{"rendered":"Cyndi Gallagher Named 2026 Winner of Richard E. Steadman Award"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cyndi Gallagher Named 2026 Winner of Richard E. Steadman Award<\/strong><\/p>\n

The College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) proudly announces<\/a> Cyndi Gallagher<\/strong> as the 2026 recipient of the prestigious Richard E. Steadman Award. The honor is conferred annually to a swimming or diving coach in high school, club, or university ranks who has done the most to spread happiness in Coach Steadman\u2019s beloved sport of swimming and diving.<\/p>\n

Gallagher\u2019s remarkable career as both an elite athlete and coach has left an enduring mark on the sport at the national level. A lifelong Bruin, Gallagher\u2019s deep roots in swimming began as a standout competitor at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she earned All-American honors, set multiple school records, and represented the United States on the international stage, including competition at the Olympic Trials and the World University Games.<\/p>\n

\u201cCyndi Gallagher has earned the deep respect of her colleagues across collegiate swimming and diving, and that respect is built on decades of leadership, consistency, and care for the people around her,\u201d said Samantha Barany,<\/strong> Executive Director of the CSCAA. \u201cHer legacy is a lasting one, and even in retirement, Cyndi continues to bring energy, positivity, and purpose to the pool deck. That enduring influence is exactly what the Richard E. Steadman Award is meant to recognize.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI was incredibly fortunate to serve alongside Cyndi Gallagher for 20 years at UCLA,\u201d said Tom Stebbins,<\/strong> UCLA head diving coach. \u201cShe was an accomplished coach, a thoughtful leader, and a deeply caring teacher who consistently challenged those around her to grow \u2014 both in and out of the pool. Cyndi invested countless hours guiding student-athletes toward their individual goals and was equally devoted to her staff and colleagues, always listening, supporting, and mentoring with intention. A true trailblazer for women in coaching, she shared her wisdom generously \u2014 all while bringing joy, humor, and a little Bruce Springsteen to the pool deck. It is a tremendous honor to see her recognized with the Richard E. Steadman Award.\u201d<\/p>\n

Following her competitive success, Gallagher transitioned into coaching and became one of the most respected leaders in collegiate swimming and diving. Over a distinguished 31-year tenure as head coach of the UCLA women\u2019s swimming and diving program that ended in 2019<\/a>, she became the winningest coach in program history, compiling a 202-107-2 dual meet record and guiding her teams to multiple top-10 NCAA Championship finishes.<\/p>\n

Under Gallagher\u2019s leadership, Bruin student-athletes achieved exceptional competitive and academic success, including 11 Olympians, 21 conference champions, and 91 All-Americans, earning a total of 205 All-America honors during her tenure. She was a two-time Pac-10 Coach of the Year and a model of mentorship and integrity, fostering excellence, teamwork, and personal growth among her student-athletes.<\/p>\n

Gallagher\u2019s influence extended well beyond the pool deck. Her legacy includes not only outstanding competitive achievements, but also the development of generations of coaches and athletes who embody the highest values of collegiate athletics , leadership, accountability, gratitude, and service to others.<\/p>\n

Richard E. Steadman Award Recipients<\/h4>\n