COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (February 14, 2024) – Howard University's Andrew Young has been named the Charles McCaffree Award winner by the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA). The announcement came Wednesday afternoon.
 
This award, selected by the CSCAA's Board of Directors, recognizes a swimming or diving graduate, who has achieved outstanding success outside of the pool. Young will be recognized at the 63^rd Annual CSCAA College Swimming & Diving Awards Monday (May 6) in Indianapolis.
 
Long before swimmers like Sabir Muhammad, Maritza Correia, Anthony Nesty and others made waves in the sport, Dr. Andrew Young navigated the waters of racism and exclusion as a pioneering African-American swimmer.
 
Young's groundbreaking achievements include being the first Black swimmer to receive the International Swimming Hall of Fame's prestigious Gold Medallion Award, recognizing his national and international contributions beyond the pool.
 
"Andrew Young's influence extends far beyond the boundaries of the swimming community. His pivotal role as a civil rights advocate, aiding Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and contributing to the drafting of both the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 had a profound impact on all of society," said Samantha Barany, Executive Director of CSCAA. "As a swimmer at Howard University during an era marked by racial segregation in pools, his journey serves as inspiration whose significance may not be fully grasped. It is with immense pride and respect that we acknowledge the remarkable achievements of Andrew Young."
 
Now in his 90s, Young's legacy transcends swimming. From his days as a swimmer at Howard in the 1950s, where segregation barred many pools to him, he championed efforts to build more pools, particularly in urban areas.
 
As Mayor of Atlanta, Young allocated over $1 million to increase swimming access citywide. His commitment to public service extended beyond swimming, serving as a pastor, congressman, ambassador, and advisor to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., during the civil rights movement.
 
"Andrew Young's influence resonates deeply within Howard University, the swimming community, and across the nation. I am constantly inspired and grateful for the opportunity to learn from Mr. Young. Sharing news of his well-deserved award was a profound honor. We are all enriched by his enduring impact," said Howard Director of Swimming & Diving Nicholas Askew.
 
Young's impact reached global proportions when, as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under President Jimmy Carter, he played a pivotal role in bringing the 1996 Summer Olympic Games to Atlanta, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer in sports, politics, and civil rights.
 
CSCAA members can register for the 63^rd Annual Meetings and Awards Celebration at www.cscaa.org/meetings. All registrations include a ticket to the Awards Ceremony at the Hyatt Regency in Indianapolis. Questions can be directed to: all@cscaa.org.
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com and/or the CSCAA website at www.cscaa.org.