Beverly Coach Honored with 2025 Jimi Flowers Disability Coach of the Year Award
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A YMCA coach from Beverly, Massachusetts, has been recognized for his exceptional commitment to disability swimming and inclusion. Dave Modzelewski, Head Coach of the YMCA of the North Shore Sharks Swim Team, will receive the prestigious 2025 Jimi Flowers Disability Coach of the Year Award, presented by the USA Swimming National Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. The award will be formally presented in July 2025.
Championing Inclusion in the Pool
Established in 2009, the Jimi Flowers Disability Coach of the Year Award honors coaches who demonstrate a profound dedication to promoting the inclusion of athletes with disabilities and fostering the growth of para swimming. Modzelewski’s selection underscores his significant contributions to the sport, both locally and on the international stage.
“I am so honored to have been selected for this award,” Modzelewski stated. “I feel so lucky to be recognized for doing something that I love.” He further emphasized the inspirational impact of the athletes he’s had the privilege to work with, adding, “Through this amazing sport, I have had the opportunity to meet and train with so many incredible athletes who inspire me and encourage me to continue to do my part to spread awareness about this community of elite athletes.”
A Record of International Success
Modzelewski’s influence extends far beyond the YMCA of the North Shore. For the past four years, he has served as Head Coach of Competitive Aquatics for the Sharks, alongside his role as the New England LSC’s Disability Coordinator. He has been a key figure in numerous para swimming events, including the 2022 Allianz World Championships and the 2023 Parapan American Games.
His leadership was instrumental as Head Coach for the CITI Para Swimming World Series in Scotland, and he was one of only eight coaches chosen by U.S. Paralympics Swimming to serve as an Assistant Coach at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, supporting a team of 33 American swimmers. Most recently, Modzelewski led Team USA to a remarkable performance at the Para World Championships, securing 18 Gold Medals – a threefold increase over the previous championship – and a second-place finish overall on the medal table.
Beyond the Pool: A Holistic Approach
USA Swimming’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Team highlighted Modzelewski’s comprehensive dedication, stating, “Dave’s dedication to our swimmers with disability goes beyond the pool.” The organization praised his efforts in both international competitions and grassroots initiatives, noting that his commitment has driven “meaningful change at the local, regional, and national levels.”
Modzelewski expressed his gratitude to USA Swimming & US Para Swimming and the YMCA of the North Shore for their support, enabling him to pursue his passion for inclusive swimming. His story serves as a powerful example of how dedicated coaching can transform lives and elevate the sport for all athletes.
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