Each year Diversity In Aquatics honors those individuals who help to further the mission of curving the drowning statistics, increasing swimming competency among underserved and underrepresented communities by increasing aquatic sports participation, for fitness, recreation, health, competition, and professions, for youth and adults. Nominations are due by November. To nominate someone for an award, click here.
Lee Pitts Award
For outstanding leadership and collaborative partnership. This award recognizes to an individual or organization that has demonstrated the high and true ideals of volunteer service in the area of aquatics to the benefit under-served communities in aquatics
Past Winners: Thaddeus Gammory 2016, Rahim Booth 2017, Rob Green 2018, Brannon Johnson 2019, Dr. Knolan Rawlins 2020, Black Girls Dive 2021, Victoria Prizzia 2022
Jim Ellis Award
For coaching and educational excellence. This award recognizes an innovative teacher, researcher or coach who has obtained a high level of achievement from personal effort in a field or initiative that contributes an educational effort to the progression of aquatics.
Past Winners: Dr. Angela Beale 2016, Dr. Bill Ramos 2017, Tiffany Monique Quash 2018, Gainus Wright 2019, Tommy Jackson, 2020, Veronica Hernandez, 2021, Dr. Monica Lepore 2022
Arthur Lopez Esq. "Nadar por Vida" Award
This award goes to an individual or organization that has given an extraordinary amount of their time, energy, and/or resources toward diversifying aquatics.
Past Winners: Manny Banks & Dr. Shaun Anderson 2016, Leslie Paul 2017, Nadine Johnson Jesionek 2018, Marye Carter 2019, Amanda Pope 2020, Dr. Asherah Allen, 2021, Arkeisha Reese & The Team Kareem Memorial Foundation 2022
Ken Roland Award
For an Aquatic Professional. This award goes to a person or organization who sets a standard for mankind with their commitment to aquatics, who has lived their life with a passion to bring forth in the world a dream or vision, a way of being for mankind that is independent of any personal goals for those who are under-represented in aquatics.
Past Winners: Jerod Smith 2016, Kevin Sims 2017, John Yearwood 2018, Austin Harris 2019, Sky Walker 2020, Joelle Williams, 2021, Coach Bob Troutman 2022
Maritza Correia McClendon Award
This is awarded to a former athlete of Black and/or Hispanic descent - who has accomplished a high level of achievement from personal effort in an aquatic sport.
Past Winners: Isabella Pedraza 2018, Anise Foreman 2019, Nicolas Askew 2020, Noel Singleton, 2021, Melisssa Wilborn 2022
Dr. Shaun Anderson President’s Award
This award is voted on by the Board of Directors and President of Diversity In Aquatics to recognize outstanding service and leadership within the organization.
Past Winners: Tiffany Quash and Tasha Holt, 2019, Stephanie Elam 2020, Jamal Hill, 2021, Anesti Vega, 2022