Wellesley College Swimming & Diving Coaches Earn NEWMAC Staff of the Year Honors
Wellesley College swimming & diving Head Coach Dawn Dill and Assistant Coach Katie Gould have been recognized as the 2026 NEWMAC Women’s Swimming & Diving Swim Staff of the Year. This prestigious award acknowledges their exceptional leadership and dedication to the program.
A Decade of Excellence: Wellesley’s Rise in the NEWMAC
This honor comes on the heels of a remarkable season for the Wellesley Blue, culminating in a third-place finish at the recent NEWMAC Championships – their best result in a decade. The coaching duo’s ability to elevate the team’s performance highlights their strategic approach to training and athlete development.
Dill’s coaching career is marked by consistent success. This NEWMAC Staff of the Year award is her fourth adding to previous accolades earned in 2006, 2009, and 2010 during her tenure at MIT.
Preparing for the NCAA Championships
The team’s success extends beyond the conference championships. Seniors Kavita Sekhon and Tracey Liu, along with first-years Lucy Choe and Alexis Kung, are preparing to compete at the NCAA Division III Championships in Indianapolis, Indiana, from March 18-21. This representation at the national level underscores the program’s growing competitiveness.
The Impact of Assistant Coach Katie Gould
Katie Gould’s contributions as Assistant Coach have been instrumental to the team’s achievements. She joined Wellesley in 2025, bringing experience from her previous role as an Assistant Coach at Babson College. The collaborative dynamic between Dill and Gould appears to be a key factor in the program’s success.
The Engineers secured Co-Diving Staff of the Year honors, recognizing the strength of Wellesley’s diving program, which placed first and second on both boards.
NEWMAC: A Conference of Academic Rigor
The NEWMAC (Novel England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference) is comprised of 12 institutions known for their academic selectivity. Members include Babson College, Clark University, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Emerson College, MIT, Mount Holyoke College, Salve Regina University, Smith College, Springfield College, Wellesley College, Wheaton College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NEWMAC?
The NEWMAC is a conference of 12 highly selective institutions committed to academic excellence.
How many times has Dawn Dill been named Coach of the Year?
Dawn Dill has been named Coach of the Year four times, including this most recent honor.
Where will the NCAA DIII Championships be held?
The NCAA DIII Championships will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, from March 18-21.
Pro Tip: Supporting collegiate athletics often involves contributing to student-athlete scholarships and facility improvements. Consider exploring opportunities to support the Wellesley College swimming & diving program.
Stay updated on the Wellesley Blue’s progress at the NCAA Championships by visiting WellesleyBlue.com.
