MAY 3, 2024: SAISA Conference Individual Superlatives recognize consistent, outstanding performance and contributions to the conference and sport of College Sailing by members of the conference. Once again, a volunteer committee accepted and reviewed nominations for these individual awards covering the two seasons in review (Fall 23/Spring 24). The awards include Coach of the Year, Outstanding Sportsmanship Award, and Student Leader of the Year.

Coach of the Year: Esteban Forrer, Rollins College

Coach Esteban Forrer, in his first full year as Rollins College Sailing head coach, has led a resurgence for the Tars program. On his watch, the Tars won their first regatta since the fall of 2020; finished the overall regular SAISA conference season in sixth position out of 28 active programs, a high-watermark for the team; and qualified for each conference championship event in both coed and women’s fleet and team racing, another first for the Tars program. In addition to coaching, Esteban’s volunteer service to the conference has been outstanding as he has brought a new level of professionalism and organization to the All-SAISA Committee. Forrer, a three-time All-American college sailor himself, has also improved recruiting efforts for the Tars ensuring his early success at Rollins College will continue into the future. Congratulations and Roll Tars!

Outstanding Sportsmanship Award: Andreas Keswater, University of South Florida

Andreas Keswater, better known as Drea, is always both a fierce competitor and a smiling face. The senior skipper from the University of South Florida brings overwhelming positivity, and a strong Corinthian spirit to his team and others at regattas. Keswater, a California native, is an accomplished sailor and student-leader for the USF Bulls open sailing team. “Drea has a boundless enthusiasm matched by a strong work ethic. He was the driving force that kept the USF Open team upright and on course,” said USF Bulls head coach Allison Jolly. Many of his fellow teammates and competitors supported his nomination and recognition of outstanding sportsmanship in the SAISA Conference and college sailing. Well done and Go Bulls!

Student Leader of the Year: Nevin Williams, University of North Carolina-Wilmington

“Nevin Williams has been described as a force of nature, and his impact on the UNC-Wilmington program has been equally significant, said SAISA Commissioner Dana Magliola. Williams serves as the president of the UNC-Wilmington sailing club, and has been a team leader since the Fall of 2022. During this time Seahawks club membership has grown by more than 300%, and he has helped improve the team’s relationship with the administrations of both UNCW and their host venue, the Carolina Yacht Club on Wrightsville Beach. Williams is omnipresent at regattas where UNCW is competing even when he is not sailing, ensuring his teammates are prepared for competition. Nevin is friendly and goes out of his way to provide hospitality for competitors and volunteers, especially at the many home regattas he organizes and hosts at one of SAISA’s best venues. Congratulations, and as Nevin himself would say, Hawk yeah!

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