Awarded yearly to a single male swimmer who is competing in his final year of GKAISA eligibility and displays excellence in service, leadership, and being a good role model.

2025-Jameson Neubauer

Jameson has been a GKAISA swimmer for 11 years, all of which have been as a member of the University Swim Club. Beyond his personal swimming achievements, Jameson has been a critical part of USC’s junior coach program since 2019. In this role, he has worked directly with children between the ages of 3 and 8, helping them feel safe and confident in the water while teaching fundamental swimming skills. He has actively prepared each session by setting up benches, gathering pool noodles and rings, and ensuring all materials are ready. In 2025, he expanded his contributions by leading stretching and dryland exercises for the 13-18 age group.

Jameson’s dedication extends beyond the pool. He has been involved in a wide range of school and community activities, including the L&N Junior Classical League, STEMposium, and Quiz Bowl. He has supported school fundraising by promoting UT gameday parking and has volunteered at events like Haunted Station and STEMposium. Jameson has helped stock and maintain the Little Library in the Oak Park Historic District, and his love for history has served him well in National History Day competitions.

His coach, Robbie Chadwell, says of him: “Jameson’s positive energy and unwavering commitment make him an outstanding role model. He consistently brings a positive attitude and gives 100% effort at every practice. His impact on the University Swim Club over the past 11 years, both in and out of the water, has been profound and lasting. Jameson exemplifies the ideals of service, leadership, and sportsmanship that the Bill Lauer Service Award honors.”

Honorable Mention: Christopher Rector (Sugarwood Stingrays)

2024-Braden Salsbury

Braden has been a GKAISA swimmer for 12 years, swimming all of those years as a Gulfwood Gator. He has been an integral part of the Little Gator Swim School since it started 5 years ago and has been praised for his unique ability to build and maintain relationships with young swimmers. He has been a member of Tennessee Aquatics for many years and was selected as a representative to the Southeastern Swimming Athlete Committee.

When not swimming, Braden has been active in school and at his church. Braden can often be found leading small groups and activities with the Providence Church Children’s Ministry. He was secretary of the Mu Alpha Theta chapter at Hardin Valley Academy, where he organized holiday celebrations and math tutoring sessions. He was also a member of S.P.A.C.E.S., which ran a school-wide anti-bullying campaign.

His coach, Chris Goodman, says of him: “Braden is always willing to lend a hand where needed, especially with our younger swimmers. There are many times when the coaching staff would be busy with all the things that come with hosting or attending a meet, but we would look across the pool and see Braden talking to and coaching the younger swimmers.” 

2023-Jackson Vineyard

Jackson has been a GKAISA swimmer on the Sugarwood Stingrays for 11 years. Jackson has volunteer coached since the age of 13, first with the Little Rays program and now assisting with all ages. He sets up and cleans the pool deck and regularly looks for things that need to be done. This year, his mother, who is also his team coach, was diagnosed with cancer. In spite of having a successful lawn business that kept him extremely busy, he stepped up as a volunteer coach to assist her, saying that he was “swimming for something greater than himself.” With the help of the Sugarwood Board, he organized and assisted with the design of a pink swim cap, to support his mother as she battles breast cancer.

In his essay, Jackson writes, “God has given me many blessings that I am grateful for, and one that I will always speak about and cherish will be the GKAISA summer league and more specifically the Sugarwood Stingrays. 

2022 - Creed Loy

Creed has been a GKAISA swimmer for 12 years and a member of Gulf Park for the past 5 seasons. Since arriving at Gulf Park, Creed has helped the team in a variety of ways. When storms damaged the pool in 2020, Creed was a part of the clean-up crew. He assisted in getting the pool competition-ready, as well as cleaning up debris in the surrounding neighborhood. Creed is always ready to help with meet set-up and take-down. He works as a lifeguard and swim instructor, teaching the next generation of Blue Sharks. When not working with his team, Creed gives back to the community as a volunteer at Fantasy of Trees, Boo at the Zoo, Hanging of the Wreaths, and Wesley House. Says Creed’s coach, Harper Houk, “Creed sets a standard for the rest of the team to follow. Creed is committed to pouring back into the Gulf Park community. I cannot speak highly enough about Creed Loy and who he chooses to be.” 

2021 - Grant Moss

Grant has been a member of the Gulf Park Blue Sharks for 10 years and has participated in GKAISA swimming for 12 years. Grant also swam for Hardin Valley Academy for 7 years and lettered each year during high school. Grant is often found volunteering at Fellowship Church and visiting and feeding the homeless. In a year when his team grew by 50% with many new swimmers, Grant’s contributions at practice, meets, behind the scenes and with the feeder program have been essential. Says Grant, “Getting to help and encourage people younger than me grow into better swimmers and better people was eye opening…. Coaching is an outlet for me to be a positive person for others to see, as well as encourage them to be the best that they can become.”

2021 Honorable Mention: Will Locke (Gulfwood Gators)

2020 - Will Pensky

Will has been a member of the Peninsula Club Pirates for 8 years. Though soccer is Will's primary sport, his dedication and commitment to PClub has been unwavering where he served as assistant coach for 3 years.  He was captain of Webb's varsity soccer team and was a starter for Elite Cubs National League, which is one of the top soccer leagues in the country.  

2020 Honorable Mention: Joseph Knight (CHW) & Caleb Fikes (NFC)

2019 - Robbie Chadwell

Robbie has been a member of Benington-Farrington Swim Team for 12 years where he became a leader of his team.  He has undertaken management of the Kiddie Cudas program for several years where children ages 4-8 were all taught to swim unassisted each summer.  He has also been an active supporter of each child on the team - cheering during meets and practices, encouraging and reassuring before, during, and after races, and guiding each child to do their best.  Robbie is a graduate of Bearden High School and will be attending UTK.  He can be seen marching with the Pride of the Southland Marching Band on Saturdays this fall.

2019 Honorable Mention: Gavin and Grayson Clower (VG)

Awarded yearly to a single female swimmer who is competing in her final year of GKAISA eligibility and displays excellence in service, leadership, and being a good role model.

2025-Kathryn Powell

Kathryn has been a GKAISA swimmer for 8 years, all of which have been as a member of the Peninsula Club Pirates. For 7 of those years, she has served as a coach at P-Club, beginning as a volunteer Junior Coach and now serving as an Assistant Coach. From an early age, she worked to help young swimmers find passion in the pool, often helping the youngest of swimmers overcome their fear of the water and gain confidence in the pool. Known for her uplifting and contagious spirit, Kathryn is a role model both as a swimmer and as a person. She is willing to swim any event that she is asked to swim, and she is often the first one to the edge of the pool to cheer on her teammates.

Outside of the pool, Kathryn is also a servant leader. She founded the International Baccalaureate Student Board of Directors to help guide and support the IB students at West High School. Additionally, she volunteers in an after-school care program and has organized both an Alzheimer's walk and a canned food drive to benefit Knoxville’s underserved populations.

Her coach, Andie Tisue, says this about her: “Even though she is two years younger than me, Kathryn is someone I have always looked up to. I admire how she carries herself, how she treats her teammates, and how dedicated she is to our team. Her uplifting and contagious spirit is something our team will miss next year.”

Honorable Mention: Karolina Nosarzewski (Village Green Gators) 

2024-Sydney Taylor

Sydney has been a GKAISA swimmer for 9 years, spending all of those with Gulf Park. Over the years, Sydney has served the Gulf Park community in a multitude of ways. Since the age of fourteen, Sydney has worked with “Shark School,” Gulf Park’s swim lesson program. Her dedication has made her a well-known and respected figure among the children, often referred to as “Ms. Sydney.” This year, Sydney has also taken on the role of a volunteer coach, helping to guide and mentor the swim team in her little free time. Sydney has been involved in setting up and tearing down the pool, encouraging her teammates, engaging with families, and volunteering her time.

Her coach, Harper Houk, says this about her: “Sydney’s impact on the Gulf Park community is profound and lasting, setting a high standard for future generations. Sydney will be awarded our “Bill Lauer Award” at the end of season banquet. Her leadership, sportsmanship, and strong impact on the community have deemed her as the clear recipient.”

Honorable Mention: Marilla Neubauer (University Swim Club) 

2023-Aubrey Hall

Aubrey has been a member of the Gulf Park Blue Sharks for 10 years… and has been a GKAISA swimmer for that long. Since the age of 13, Aubrey has worked with “Shark School,” Gulf Park’s swim lesson program that feeds into the swim team—and she has led that program for the past 3 years. As program leader, she has been responsible for developing and providing instruction to the next generation of Gulf Park swimmers, writing lesson plans, and communicating with parents. Aubrey is known as the team’s “Swiss Army knife.” She has fulfilled numerous roles the pool has needed. She was part of the clean-up crew in 2020 when the pool was hit with bad storms, is a regular worker at the yearly pool clean-up days, has assisted with set-up/tear-down of countless dual meets, has volunteered at SMI, and has volunteered at City Meet at the relay table for a number of years.

In her essay, Aubrey said, “Some might call it the Knoxville Olympics in jest, but that is only because they have not experienced it in the way that I have. I have competed at multiple levels of swimming in my career. … I can confidently tell you that no atmosphere comes close to Allan Jones Aquatic Center during City Meet finals. The entire Knoxville swimming community comes together for us, and we will celebrate each other regardless of what team we swim for. … City Meet is a reunion all of its own, and I love it.”

Honorable Mention: Laura Mathers from Newport Cocke County Rapids 

2022- Gabby Maine

Gabby has been a member of the Sugarwood Stingrays for 14 years… and has been a GKAISA swimmer for that long. Gabby is known as respectful and gracious, and she can frequently be found volunteering for the Little Ray program and for meets. She can often be found on the pool deck, encouraging and cheering for her teammates. Outside of the pool, Gabby serves with the worship band at her church, is a member of the National Honor Society, and is often found volunteering with the local food pantry. She also does home improvement for widows and impoverished persons.

Her coach, Jodi Vineyard, says, “All the swimmers on our team are drawn to Gabby because of her kindness and grace. Gabby cheerfully looks for ways to step in and help. She challenges and encourages others to do this as well. She has had to work hard for everything, and it’s helped make her incredible.” 

2021 - Morgan Blazer

Morgan has been a member of the Newport-Cocke County Rapids team for 10 years. Morgan is an All-State athlete in three sports and was salutatorian of her graduating class this past year. This year, in addition to swimming on her team, Morgan is often on deck, serving as an assistant coach. Says Morgan, “Summer swim taught me how to make goals and what it takes to achieve them, for I remember arriving early and leaving late from practice to do a few more sprints or to better my start. I cannot imagine my mindset without summer swim, for I carry these lessons and principles past the pool into every facet of my life.”

2021 Honorable Mention: Kate Salsbury (GW)

2020 - Gracie Bellah

Gracie has been a member of the Green Meadow Swim Team for 13 years. Her coach describes her as "an exemplary teammate and friend (who) brings everyone together and makes them feel welcome and encouraged." She is a graduate of Maryville High School where she was named Maryville Scholar and captain of the swim team. She will be attending Rhodes College where she will also continue her swimming career.

2020 Honorable Mention: Mary Beth Zetterberg (VG) & Rebekah Pass (GW)

2019 - Eva Karnowski

Eva has been an integral part of the Benington-Farrington Swim Team for the last 10 years.  She has been a senior helper for the 8 and under age group since 2016 where she shared her love of swimming while teaching young athletes how to be successful in the sport.  She avidly pushes her teammates of all ages to be the best versions of themselves while holding herself to those same standards.  Eva is a graduate of Bearden High School and will be attending UTK in the fall while majoring in Nursing.

2019 Honorable Mention: Melanie Moczadlo (CHP)

Awarded yearly to a single athlete who meets the following criteria:

• Competitor in the 15-up age group,; and
• Who has overcome adversity or who has shown exceptional leadership

2024-Jonah McCollum

In 2018, Jonah faced a devastating loss when his mother passed away from a heart attack. Last year, Jonah was diagnosed with brain cancer. Despite undergoing difficult treatments, he continued his commitment to swimming, using the sport as a way to manage stress and find solace amidst the challenges. Recently, the cancer has recurred, presenting another round of challenges. Through all of this, Jonah has shown incredible courage and resilience.

Swimming has been a crucial part of Jonah's journey, helping him cope with the loss of his mother, the stress of the cancer diagnosis, and the recurrence. Having brain surgery just one month ago, Jonah set a goal to participate in City Meet and, despite all obstacles, achieved this goal. His dedication to swimming and his ability to overcome immense adversity make him a true inspiration to his peers and the entire swimming community.

Jonah’s love for swimming in GKAISA is both the ideal for a summer athlete and also serves as a form of comfort to him as he goes through a set of struggles most could not handle with the strength that he has shown. Jonah's longstanding dedication to the sport and the swimming community highlights his passion and commitment. His journey through personal hardships, coupled with his unwavering involvement in swimming, demonstrates his resilience and the positive impact he has on everyone around him. Jonah’s story is one of courage, dedication, and love for the sport, making him a deserving candidate for the James Rich Courage Award.

2023-Sophia Head

Sophia has been a member of the National Fitness Center swim team for 10 years. Sophia suffered an anoxic brain injury at birth. Because of some complications during delivery, she was without a heartbeat for 10 minutes and then suffered cardiac arrest. As a result, Sophia spent 5 weeks in the NICU. As a result of the trauma she suffered, Sophia was left with low muscle tone and did not walk until the age of 2. On top of the physical injuries that she suffered, Sophia has other issues that impact her ability to keep up with schoolwork. She has had to devote more time than most kids to studying just to keep up.

Despite all of this, Sophia has excelled. Her coach says, “Sophia has a strong work ethic and an amazing attitude that she has demonstrated to her teammates. Sophia wants to succeed, and she works hard at everything she does.”

Sophia will be attending ETSU in the fall, where she will be a member of the school band. She also plans to do club swimming to stay fit and continue something she loves.

It is fitting that Sophia receives an award named for a renowned Ta Kwon Do instructor. She received a black belt in Tae Kwon Do earlier this year.

2022- Hannah Grace Reiman

Over the past 4 years, Hannah Grace has suffered 3 devastating knee injuries, each requiring surgery. In 2019, she had a pole vaulting accident and tore her ACL, MCL and both menisci. Six months after her first surgery, the graft in her knee weakened, and she reinjured the same knee, requiring a second surgery. The final injury took place 10 months after her second surgery. After fighting through pain for a period of time, she had a third surgery.

In spite of all of this, Hannah returned to Village Green to finish out her senior season. Coach Sarah Fortney says, “Hannah Grace has been a shining example for others on our team by maintaining a positive attitude, supporting and celebrating others when she was unable to compete, and showing incredible work ethic and resiliency to return to the pool for her final summer at Village Green.”

2021 - Sierra Shuck-Sparer (USC):

In October 2018, Sierra was diagnosed with a life-threatening form of brain cancer. She endured surgeries and nearly a year of radiation and chemotherapy at St. Jude. Throughout her incredible and inspiring fight against cancer, Sierra managed to not only stay positive, but to also excel academically (taking a number of AP classes) and to remain an active member of her swim team. Upon approval from her doctors after completing her treatment, Sierra immediately returned to the pool. Earlier this Spring, Sierra’s cancer returned, and she has again been undergoing treatment. Despite this, Sierra has been assisting the team on the pool deck when possible. She continues to inspire her team and will be attending Georgia Tech in the Fall.

2021 - Alyssa Benedict (MAFD)

During high school, Alyssa had to have reconstructive surgery on both feet. She continued to swim up until the dates of her surgeries and was back in the pool as soon as her doctors would allow despite the fact that her feet were still hurting and healing. The recovery process on each foot took many months and, even now, her left foot is not fully healed. In spite of this, Alyssa persevered, maintaining a 4.00 GPA and holding down several part-time jobs. She is currently a manager with Chick-fil-a and will attend college in California in the Fall.

2020 - Sierra Shuck-Sparer

In October 2018, Sierra was diagnosed with a life-threatening form of brain cancer.  She endured surgeries and nearly a year of radiation and chemotherapy at St. Jude. Throughout her incredible and inspiring fight against cancer, Sierra managed to not only stay positive, but to also excel academically (taking a number of AP classes) and to remain an active member of her swim team.  Upon approval from her doctors after completing her treatment, Sierra immediately returned to the pool.  She is a valued member of University Swim Club and the West High School swim team.

2019 - Nathan Holliman

Nathan had reconstructive shoulder surgery and persevered during a very painful year-long rehabilitation through his entire junior year.  During his rehabilitation, he was unable to swim, but instead became a coach for his high school team and a junior coach for his summer team, Tellico Village Tarpons.  Nathan is a graduate of Lenoir City High School where he served as swim team captain, state team member his senior year, and received the Panther Award for Excellence in Spirit and Example.

This scholarship was established by the family of Terry Gardner to honor his memory. Terry served the swimming community in a variety of capacities for nearly two decades. Terry was a true servant leader and was known for his innate leadership, initiative, sportsmanship and kindness. The recipient of this scholarship should be someone who embodies the values and qualities that Terry represented and believed in.

In order to be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must be a GKAISA swimmer in good standing, be a high school senior planning to attend a 4 year institution and have at least a 3.0 GKPA, have participated with the same GKAISA team for at least 4 years, be held in high regard by coaches and teammates, and must continually exhibit profound sportsmanship and leadership.

2024- Marilla Neubauer

Marilla has been a GKAISA swimmer for 11 years and is a valued member of the University Swim Club. In 2017, Marilla asked to be a Junior Coach although she was not yet the minimum age. Because of her maturity and work ethic, her coaches enthusiastically said “yes,” and she has been coaching ever since. In both 2018 and 2023, Marilla received USC’s Spirit Award, which is given each year to the swimmer that best exemplifies sportsmanship, enthusiasm, and a love for summer swimming for USC. This year, Marilla has been elevated to Assistant Coach and can often be seen working with the younger swimmers.

Marilla is a graduate of L&N Stem Academy, where she was a letter winner for Gryphon Aquatics and the 3-time Blue Gryphon Award recipient. She also served as President of the National Art Honor Society and was a top student in her class. While in high school, she was a Tennessee History Day regional finalist and the winner of the THD Margaret Lindsay Ward Prize for Best Project on Women’s History.

Marilla is also an accomplished artist. She was a Chalk Walk finalist in 2018, 2019 and 2024. Marilla will continue her education at the University of Tennessee, where she will study pre-med and psychology.

2023-Ally Davis

Ally graduated from Berean Christian School with highest honors and will be attending Johnson University in the Fall, where she will study special education. Ally has a heart for children and has served University Swim Club as a Junior Coach and now an Assistant Coach, where she focuses on teaching the team’s youngest swimmers.

In one of the letters of recommendation submitted on behalf of Ally, a University Swim Club parent wrote, “Ally works tirelessly with the younger swimmers and serves as a role model for all the young swimmers. Throughout the year, my daughter would ask for Coach Ally. Even when disappointed, you would never know it, as she makes sure the team and the children come first. She is the type of woman I truly hope my daughter grows up to become.”

2022 Inaugural Recipient- Creed Loy