SOUTH-WEST CONFERENCE
LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
LEADERSHIP
CONFERENCE
Leadership Awards
On May 7, 2026, the South-West Conference (SWC) held its Annual Scholar-Leader and Unified Leadership Awards Ceremony at Sacred Heart University, recognizing outstanding students from SWC member schools for their achievements in academics, athletics, leadership, and service.
The event celebrated students who have distinguished themselves through exceptional commitment, dedication, character, and leadership within their schools, communities, athletic programs, and Unified Sports initiatives. Honorees were recognized not only for their accomplishments in the classroom and competition, but also for their ability to inspire others through teamwork, inclusion, sportsmanship, and service.
The Scholar-Leader Award honors student-athletes who have demonstrated excellence in academics and athletics while serving as positive leaders within their schools and communities.
The Unified Leadership Awards recognize Unified athletes and Unified partners who have shown outstanding commitment, dedication, and service to Unified Sports and Activities at their school, within their community, and throughout the South-West Conference.
Together, these awards celebrate the values of leadership, achievement, inclusion, and service that define the mission of the South-West Conference and its member schools.
2026 Outstanding
Coach Award
Rich Szymanski (Pomperaug) - 2024 - Boys Golf
Rich Szymanski has served as the boys golf coach at Pomperaug High School for 36 years and has established one of the most successful programs in the South-West Conference.
During his tenure, Szymanski has led Pomperaug to five state championships, including back-to-back Division II State Championships in 2024 and 2025. His teams have also finished as state runners-up twice. Entering 2026, he has compiled a career record of 438 wins and 109 losses, an 80% winning percentage, while capturing 13 league championships.
The 2025 championship season highlighted Szymanski's ability to develop young players and prepare them for success. After graduating four of the top five golfers from the previous year's championship team, Pomperaug defended its state title with a lineup consisting of two freshmen, two sophomores, and one junior. The junior was the only golfer with previous varsity experience.
Szymanski is known for his dedication to preparation and his commitment to helping student-athletes succeed. Beyond his work with Pomperaug, he has served as the SWC Golf Coaching Chair since 2005 and as the SWC Championship Tournament Director.
In recognition of his outstanding accomplishments, leadership, and service to both Pomperaug High School and the South-West Conference, Rich Szymanski has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 SWC Outstanding Coach Award.
2026 Outstanding
Coach Award
Yvonne Grimes (Bethel) - 2026 - Boys Track (Indoor and Outdoor) & XC
For 31 years, Coach Grimes has been more than a leader of the Bethel track and field and cross country programs; she has been the steady heartbeat behind them. Through changing generations of athletes, evolving competition, and the countless unseen challenges that come with building a lasting program, she has remained a constant source of integrity, discipline, and inspiration.
Her accomplishments speak for themselves. Coach Grimes has guided the Bethel boys indoor track team to four consecutive SWC Indoor Track Championships. In cross country, her boys team captured the 2024 SWC Championship, while her outdoor track program has won three SWC Championships overall, including the last two consecutive titles. Most recently, her indoor track team won the Class L State Championship, marking the first state championship for any Bethel athletic program in more than 15 years.
Beyond her success on the track, Coach Grimes has made significant contributions to the sport throughout Connecticut. She serves as the state assigner for officials at championship track and field meets and was a member of the NFHS Track and Field Rules Committee from 2023 through 2025. Her commitment and passion for the sport are widely recognized and respected.
While championships and accolades highlight the success of her programs, her true passion is developing young people. Her athletes learn quickly that success is not defined solely by medals, records, or race times, but by commitment, teamwork, perseverance, and the willingness to push beyond perceived limits.
What sets Coach Grimes apart is her ability to connect with athletes. She knows when to challenge and when to support, when to demand more and when to simply listen. She creates an environment where athletes feel valued not only for their performance, but for who they are as individuals. Many former athletes return years later, not to discuss races won, but to share the life lessons that continue to guide them.
Under her leadership, the Bethel track and field and cross country programs have become models of consistency, excellence, and character. Practices are purposeful, expectations are clear, and high standards are always paired with encouragement and belief.
After more than three decades of service, Coach Grimes' impact on Bethel athletics, track and field, and cross country is immeasurable. Her legacy is reflected not only in championship banners, but in the countless student-athletes whose lives she has influenced and whose futures have been shaped by the values she instilled.
The South-West Conference is proud to recognize Coach Grimes as the recipient of the 2026 SWC Outstanding Coach Award.
