Schofield, Schmid recognized by ICSA

The Inter-Collegiate Sailing Association (ICSA) recognizes individual achievement during the 2024-25 season.  Justin Callahan (’26) and Vanessa Lahrkamp (’26) earned top honors in the Open and Women’s categories, with additional honors going to:

• Robert H. Hobbs Sportsmanship Award – Colman Schofield, (’25) U.S Coast Guard Academy
• Mitchell M. Brindley Crew of the Year – Alice Schmid, (’27) Stanford University

UPDATE (June 12, 2025): When ICSA announced these two Hall of Fame Competitor awards on June 10th, they omitted recognizing Nilah Miller who had been selected for the Student Leadership – James Rousmaniere Award.

Robert H. Hobbs Sportsmanship Award:
Winner: Colman Schofield, 2025 U.S Coast Guard Academy
Finalist: Cordelia Burn, 2025 Harvard University

The Robert H. Hobbs Trophy is awarded annually to the Sportsman of the Year. The trophy honors Robert Hobbs (MIT ’64), past Executive Vice President of ICSA, past President of U.S. Sailing (1992-1994), and former chair of the U.S. Sailing Olympic Committee. The Hobbs Trophy shall be awarded each year to the sailor that best exemplifies the Corinthian ideals of sailing. This sailor has made contributions to College Sailing through his/her efforts, by competing, promotion of the sport, fostering sportsmanship among teams, maintaining quality of competition, and contributing to the overall performance of College Sailing.

Quote from Colman’s nomination letter:
“No matter if he wins or loses, he will always go out of his way to make sure people are enjoying their time sailing… Colman is one of the most genuine and helpful people on the college sailing circuit.”

2025 Mitchell M. Brindley Crew of the Year:
Winner: Alice Schmid, 2027 Stanford University
Finalists: Kennedy Leehealey, 2026 Harvard University; Sarah Moeder, 2026 Yale University

Established in 2023, the ICSA Crew of the Year award is presented each year to the most outstanding crew in College Sailing. Mitch Brindley, a two-time team captain and two-time All American Crew, won an Open Fleet Race National Championship, a Sloop National Championship, and a Fowle Trophy while sailing at Old Dominion University. Mitch also served as the President of College Sailing for 22 years.

Student Leadership – James Rousmaniere Award:
Winner: Nilah Miller, 2027 Clemson

Recognizing extraordinary leadership and achievement by an undergraduate whose efforts have made a significant contribution to the development, progress, and success of his or her club or team, conference, or the ICSA. Demonstrated leadership over a period of years, rather than a single year, will receive the most serious consideration. One honoree per year.

Quotes from Nilah’s nomination letter:
“Under her leadership, Clemson’s sailing team experienced remarkable growth. The number of boats at practice more than doubled, and the team’s participation in regattas significantly increased…This expansion is a direct result of Nilah’s efforts in recruiting, organizing, and inspiring her teammates….Nilah played a pivotal role in re-establishing Clemson’s women’s team, leading them to compete at the Women’s ACCs and have a highly competitive finish at SAISA Women’s Fleet Race Championships in Fall 2024.”

2024-25 Season

Fall National Championships:
November 9-10: Women’s and Open Singlehanded Nationals – St Petersburg, FL
November 15-17: Match Race Nationals – Oyster Bay, NY

Spring National Championships:
April 24-26: Open Team Race Nationals – Cranston, RI
April 27-28: Women’s Team Race Nationals – Cranston, RI
May 20-23: Women’s Dinghy Nationals – St Marys City, MD
May 27-30: Open Dinghy Nationals – St Marys City, MD