Gallagher Named Finalist for National Collegiate Scholastic Trophy
January 29, 2025 | Swimming & Diving
LOS ANGELES โ Cyndi Gallagher, former head coach of the UCLA Women's Swimming and Diving program, has been named a finalist for the National Collegiate and Scholastic Trophy, it was announced on Wednesday morning by the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA).
The National Collegiate Scholastic Trophy is awarded by both the CSCAA and the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA). It is the highest honor in intercollegiate and interscholastic swimming & diving, and is awarded to the individual who has made "the greatest contribution to swimming and diving as a competitive sport, and as a healthful, recreational activity in the province of undergraduate and scholastic education." The other finalists are Tracy Huth of Oakland University and Adam Soldati of Purdue. The winner will be selected by CSCAA member coaches and recognized at the 64th Annual CSCAA College Swimming & Diving Awards on May 5th in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Gallagher has been a pioneering figure in collegiate swimming, spending 31 seasons as the head coach of the UCLA women's swimming and diving team. Throughout her 31-year career, she led the Bruins to significant success, posting a dual meet record of 202-107-2 (.653 winning percentage) and guiding her team to multiple top-10 finishes at the NCAA Championships. A UCLA alum, Gallagher's distinguished career began as a standout student-athlete, where she earned All-American honors, set school records, and represented the U.S. on the international stage, including at the Olympic Trials and World University Games. She then transitioned into coaching, where she mentored Olympians, NCAA champions, and numerous student-athletes who excelled both academically and athletically.
Gallagher's impact goes far beyond her achievements; she is highly regarded for her comprehensive coaching approach, which prioritized personal development, academic excellence, and team cohesion. Under her leadership, Bruins athletes regularly earned All-American honors, broke school and conference records, and maintained strong academic standing, with many receiving NCAA postgraduate scholarships and Pac-12 All-Academic recognition. Gallagher also made significant contributions internationally, serving on U.S. coaching staffs, including as head coach at the 2007 World University Games.
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The National Collegiate Scholastic Trophy is awarded by both the CSCAA and the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association (NISCA). It is the highest honor in intercollegiate and interscholastic swimming & diving, and is awarded to the individual who has made "the greatest contribution to swimming and diving as a competitive sport, and as a healthful, recreational activity in the province of undergraduate and scholastic education." The other finalists are Tracy Huth of Oakland University and Adam Soldati of Purdue. The winner will be selected by CSCAA member coaches and recognized at the 64th Annual CSCAA College Swimming & Diving Awards on May 5th in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Gallagher has been a pioneering figure in collegiate swimming, spending 31 seasons as the head coach of the UCLA women's swimming and diving team. Throughout her 31-year career, she led the Bruins to significant success, posting a dual meet record of 202-107-2 (.653 winning percentage) and guiding her team to multiple top-10 finishes at the NCAA Championships. A UCLA alum, Gallagher's distinguished career began as a standout student-athlete, where she earned All-American honors, set school records, and represented the U.S. on the international stage, including at the Olympic Trials and World University Games. She then transitioned into coaching, where she mentored Olympians, NCAA champions, and numerous student-athletes who excelled both academically and athletically.
Gallagher's impact goes far beyond her achievements; she is highly regarded for her comprehensive coaching approach, which prioritized personal development, academic excellence, and team cohesion. Under her leadership, Bruins athletes regularly earned All-American honors, broke school and conference records, and maintained strong academic standing, with many receiving NCAA postgraduate scholarships and Pac-12 All-Academic recognition. Gallagher also made significant contributions internationally, serving on U.S. coaching staffs, including as head coach at the 2007 World University Games.
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