RCSD United Swim Team earns nomination for Sportsmanship Award recognizing athletes coaches and parents who show respect and integrity throughout the season

Rochester, New York – The Rochester City School District (RCSD) is celebrating a moment of pride as Coach Mike McNelis and the RCSD United Swimming and Diving Team have been nominated for the Rochester-Monroe County Swimming and Diving Officials Fall 2025 Sportsmanship Award. This recognition highlights not only athletic ability but also the team’s commitment to respect, fairness, and integrity in and out of the pool.

The Sportsmanship Award is one of the most meaningful honors in local athletics. It acknowledges coaches, athletes, and parents who consistently demonstrate courtesy, respect, encouragement, and good judgment throughout the season. For the RCSD United team, the nomination represents a testament to the culture of teamwork and character that Coach McNelis has built over the past few years.

“I am happy to have our athletes receive this nomination,” said Coach McNelis. “While I am certainly pleased with our success in the pool, I am prouder that our athletes are recognized with this award. I always stress to our athletes the importance of representing themselves, their families, and their schools with class, character, and integrity.”

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Coach McNelis has long been known within the district for his focus on sportsmanship as a core value. His approach has helped shape young athletes into respectful competitors and responsible community members. Under his guidance, the RCSD United Swimming and Diving Team has developed a reputation not only for their dedication to training but also for their support of one another and their graciousness toward rival teams.

“This recognition speaks volumes about the respect Mike has earned not only from his athletes, but also from officials and peers across the swimming community,” said Camaron Johnson, Executive Director of Health, Physical Education, and Athletics for RCSD. “Mike’s consistent commitment to integrity, fairness, and positive leadership continues to set an outstanding example for student-athletes and the entire athletic program.”

McNelis, who began coaching RCSD swim teams in 2021, has a deep personal connection to the sport. A 1993 graduate of Aquinas High School, he once swam for a combined team that included students from Marshall High School, one of the district’s former programs. His long history with Rochester swimming has come full circle, as he now mentors a new generation of city athletes in the same competitive waters where he once trained.

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In February 2023, McNelis earned further distinction when he was named Section V Coach of the Year for Class A, underscoring his consistent impact on the local swimming community.

The Sportsmanship Award will be presented during the upcoming Section V Swimming and Diving Finals, where the RCSD United team will once again take to the pool—this time not just as competitors, but as examples of what true sportsmanship looks like.

Congratulations to Coach McNelis and his athletes for this well-deserved nomination that celebrates both their achievements and their character.