33 New Firefighters Ready to Serve Treasure Coast Communities
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (April 27 2026) — Indian River State College (The River) graduated 33 new firefighters on Thursday, April 23, 2026. Fire Basic Recruit Academy Class #189 earned the honor after completing one of Florida’s most demanding training programs. Together, these graduates stand ready to protect lives and property across the Treasure Coast and beyond.
Graduates of Indian River State College Fire Basic Recruit Academy Class #189 pose together following their graduation ceremony on Thursday, April 23, 2026. The 33 new firefighters completed one of Florida’s most demanding fire training programs and stand ready to serve communities across the Treasure Coast.
About the Fire Basic Recruit Academy
The Indian River State College Fire Science Academy Training Center runs the Fire Basic Recruit Academy. The center operates under the College’s Division of Public Service Education. Recruits train to meet Florida’s state certification standards for entry-level firefighting.
Specifically, the Academy builds skills in academic coursework, hands-on technical training, and physical fitness. Furthermore, recruits must master firefighting techniques, emergency medical response, and hazardous materials protocols. In addition, they complete life-safety operations training before earning their certificates.
As a result, graduates receive the coveted Academy Challenge Coin — a symbol of excellence and service. The River has long committed to developing first responders who protect Indian River, St. Lucie, Okeechobee, and Martin counties. Notably, the April 23 ceremony honored Class #189.
Ceremony Highlights
The St. Lucie County Honor Guard opened the ceremony with a presentation of colors. Next, attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a reading of the Fire Fighter’s Prayer by Kason Bridwell. A video presentation then celebrated the recruits’ journey through the Academy.
Indian River State College President Dr. Timothy E. Moore delivered remarks to the graduates and their families. Executive Dean of Public Service Education Louis J. Caprino, M.A., C.P.P. also addressed the class. Chief Justin Hazellief of Okeechobee County Fire Rescue served as the guest speaker.
Afterward, the College presented awards in three categories: Academic Excellence, Physical Fitness, and Outstanding Recruit. Finally, graduates received their certificates and Academy Challenge Coins.
Award Recipients
Academic Award: Michael Nix
Physical Fitness Award: Michael Nix
Outstanding Recruit Award: Jackson Sandvig
Class Leader: Adrian Pineiro
Class #189 Response: Recruit Adrian Pineiro, class leader
Graduates of Fire Basic Recruit Academy Class #189
The following recruits were recognized at the ceremony (* denotes Academy Track Students; + denotes Physical Fitness Leader):
Squad 1 | Class Leader: Kason Bridwell
Erik Archambault, Jeffrey Bobo, Jacob Childers, Jayce Dupree*, Alexander Goldman*, Ryan Hinze*, Dylan Huddleston, Jaydan Hurley*
The Indian River State College (The River) HOSA chapter competed at the 2026 Florida HOSA State Leadership Conference (SLC), held April 16–19 at the Marriott World Center in Orlando. The event was the largest in Florida HOSA history, drawing more than 4,000 future healthcare professionals across 60 competitive events. HOSA is a global, student-led organization dedicated to preparing students for careers in the health industry.
More than 12 postsecondary institutions sent teams. Indian River State College stood out from them all. Combined, the four Indian River State College competitors earned 7 gold medals, 2 silver medals, 1 pin, and 1 certificate.
WHAT MAKES THIS RESULT EXCEPTIONAL
Most HOSA students enter one main event and one optional event. The River’s competitors chose to enter multiple events — and excelled.
“These students exemplify the spirit of excellence that defines Indian River State College,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of Indian River State College. “To compete — and win — at this level, on the state’s largest stage, reflects not just the talent and determination of these four individuals, but the strength of our academic community and our commitment to producing tomorrow’s healthcare leaders. We are immensely proud of every one of them.”
AWARD RECIPIENTS
Bryn Calderon duPlooy (Dual-Enrolled, Stuart) — Gold, Home Health Aide; Gold, HOSA Happenings Chapter Newsletter
Sara Anderson (Transient Student, Stuart) — Silver, Courtesy Corps; Gold Recognition, HOSA History Exam; FL HOSA State Officer Candidate 2026–2027
“What makes this achievement so remarkable is not just the awards — it’s the character of these students,” said Provost Heather Belmont. “They chose to compete in multiple events when one would have been enough. That kind of ambition and intellectual curiosity is exactly what our programs are designed to cultivate. Indian River State College is proud to send these young leaders to the international stage in Indianapolis.”
NEXT STOP: INDIANAPOLIS
As Florida State representatives, all award recipients now qualify for the HOSA International Leadership Conference, June 16-21, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. There, they will compete against future health professionals from across the country and around the world.
Faculty Chapter Advisor Emlyn Anderson has guided this chapter for eight years. As an Assistant Professor II and Healthcare Management Program Director at Indian River State College, she has built a program where high expectations are the standard.
“I have had the privilege of watching these students grow from curious learners into confident, driven future health professionals,” said Anderson. “Each of them chose to enter far more events than required, and they excelled in every one. This is what happens when passion meets preparation. I couldn’t be more proud.”
ABOUT INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE HOSA
The Indian River State College HOSA chapter prepares future health professionals through competitive events and leadership development. Students build skills at the local, state, and international levels. HOSA — Future Health Professionals is a global student organization with more than 300,000 members worldwide. The U.S. Department of Education endorses it.
The River honors students with Unique Abilities for employment milestones, academic growth, and life skills achievements
Fort Pierce, Fla. (April 8, 2026) — Indian River State College (The River) hosted its annual Project STAGE Awards Banquet. The celebratory event honored students who either graduated or currently participate in the Project STAGE program. Students, families, mentors, faculty, and community partners gathered at The River’s Mueller Campus in Vero Beach to celebrate the Project STAGE honorees. The event was sponsored by the Florida Center for Students with Unique Abilities.
Dr. Calvin Williams, Indian River State College Associate Vice President of Career Services and Dr. Heather Belmont, the College’s Vice President of Academic Affairs present Shakira Carroll with her Florida Ready to Work Digital Skills Certificate
About Project STAGE
Project STAGE — Students Transitioning to Academics and Gainful Employment — gives students with unique abilities an opportunity to develop the professional and life skills needed to pursue competitive employment. The program connects students to academic training, job-shadowing, and paid and unpaid internships. Additionally, students build professional portfolios, practice interviews, and develop independent living skills.
Building on this foundation, the program also provides ongoing check-in support for up to five years after graduation. That commitment ensures students maintain long-term employment stability — not just a first job. The program serves students from Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. There is no cost to enroll for eligible students.
“Project STAGE is a shining example of what Indian River State College stands for — opening doors, building futures, and serving every member of our community,” said Indian River State College President Dr. Timothy E. Moore. “The dedication these students bring to Project STAGE inspires all of us, and I am incredibly proud of everything they have accomplished.”
The Honorees
Students were recognized with the President’s Gold Promise Coin. Recipients include: Jasheem Butler, Owen Cambell, Shakira Carroll, Amirycle Jones, Evens Kersaint, Jonathan Magny, Grace McMahon, Kevin Olivera, Gabrielle Roberts, Margaret Bender, Ian Brohman, Jennifer Cappotto, John Goodwin, Harmony Herman, John Lehoullier, Amanda Lieberman, Noah Molina, Alenber Rojas, Elaina Simon, Serenity Simon, Rosnel St. Julien, Brendan Truxell, and Ric Williams.
The students received the President’s Gold Promise Coin
Students received their Florida Ready to Work Digital Skills Credential. They include Ian Brohman, Jennifer Cappotto, Noah Molina, Brendan Truxell, Ric Williams, Jasheem Butler, Shakira Carroll, Amirycle Jones, Jonathan Magny, Grace McMahon, Owen Campbell, Gabriella Harrison, Jaden Williams, Gabrielle Roberts, Kevin Olivera, and Fernando Villanueva- Carran.
“This is a plus for our students,” said Paige Jerome, the College’s Project STAGE program coordinator. “They are thrilled to receive the award, as are their parents. The students learn a lot and seem more committed to the program after receiving the award. They are center-stage for the night.”
Community partnerships drive success
“Our success is built on intentional relationship-building with local employers who share our vision of inclusive workplaces,” said JoAnn Pagano, Project STAGE Program Manager. “When employers open their hearts and minds to nurture the growth and development of our students, everyone benefits.”
Employer partnerships have become a cornerstone of the program. For example, J. Evans, owner of three UPS Stores in Vero Beach and Sebastian, hired a Project STAGE student as a kiosk assistant in January 2025. In recognition of that commitment, The River recognized Evans with an Employer Recognition Award.
About Indian River State College: Indian River State College serves Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. It offers high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
Fort Pierce, FL (April 1, 2026) – Indian River State College recognized exceptional student achievement during its annual Awards Ceremony held last night, at the Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex at Indian River State College’s main campus in Fort Pierce, Florida. The ceremony honored students who demonstrated outstanding academic excellence and significant contributions to campus and community through extracurricular activities.
Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of Indian River State College, is joined by the College’s Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Heather Belmont, in presenting the Postsecondary Adult Vocational Academic Award to Beheshta Habibzada.
“These students represent the very best of Indian River State College and embody our commitment to excellence in education,” said Timothy E. Moore, Ph.D., President of Indian River State College. “Their dedication to academic achievement, leadership, and community service sets an inspiring example for us all and demonstrates the transformative power of higher education. As they continue their journeys, whether in further education or careers, they carry with them the skills and values that will help them succeed in an ever-changing world.”
“The remarkable achievements celebrated today reflect not only the exceptional talent and dedication of our students, but also the supportive academic environment we have cultivated at Indian River State College,” said Heather Belmont, Ph.D., Indian River State College Provost. “Each honoree has demonstrated extraordinary commitment to their educational journey while positively impacting our campus and community. As we recognize their accomplishments, we also celebrate the transformative power of education to open doors and create new possibilities. These students inspire us all and represent the bright future we are helping to build.”
Award categories included:
Academic Excellence – Associate in Arts Degree: Vlada Goers
Academic Excellence – Associate in Science Degree: Cheyenne Kempf
Academic Excellence – Bachelor’s Degree: Jennifer Sharr
The ceremony featured presentations highlighting each student’s academic accomplishments, leadership roles, and community service contributions.
Indian River State College’s annual Awards Ceremony represents the college’s ongoing commitment to recognizing student achievement and promoting academic and personal growth.
Distinguished Scholars Award recipients are: Cora Acevedo, Karelya Alicea Merced, Kelli Ancewicz, Lillian Anderson, Melany Anton, Jaqueline Anton-Hernandez, Marvela Armah, Jose Avianeda, Pedro Avinzano Romero, Craig Blanton, Keli Boccanfuso, Abigail Boike, Tyler Booth, Clifford Brown, Nicholas Cahill, Mariangel Chacon Arias, Shania Chaca-Palma, Jennifer Chavarria-Sanchez, David Coquelet, Sophia Corra, Catelyn Cowher, Jaden De Windt, Sarah Deacon, Jacob Deem, Jesus Diaz-Valencia, Marisa DuBose, Samuel Eastmond, Sarah Edling, Andrew Emery, Jason Feliciano, Gianna Ferrone, Leticia Florez Chang, Cameron Fricke, Nicholas Funcke, Rayna Gage, Isabella Gargiulo, Robert Gelsimino, Amy Gillespie, Meghan Glennon, Vlada Goers, Nikol Gordon, Jessica Green, Deniscaina Guerestal, Logan Haase, Beheshta Habibzada, Lauren Hagwood, Skyler Hampton, Mary Clair Hennebach, Layton Hipps, Steele Holman, Danl Hopkins, Judith Johnson-Pink, Dorian Keaney, Cheyenne Kempf, Terrell Knowles, Giana LaBarbera, Gabriel Ladas, Melinda Lamadieu, Megan Lee, Daisy Lujano, Haylee Luning, Marina Magana-Garcia, Kayla Manso, Evelyn Marquez, Kaylee Martinez, Michael Matos, Stafano McGregor, Maxim Mestecky, Julia Metzgar, Peter Meyer, Victoria Minner, Tiffany Mobley, Rebecca Moore, Breanna Murphy-Short, Denise Negrete-Gasca, Brianna Nelson, Kamelia Nowocien-Sands, Holly Ottoson, Jasmin Padova, Ava Patalidis, Isaac Peek, Alexzandia Pellitteri-Allen, Daisy Perez-Desantiago, Ly Pham, Briyelle Pierre, Mario Pierre, Kelly Powers, Jaime Raya, Noah Rich Royall, Arnaldo Rivera-Aguirre, Priscilla Robasson, Melissa Roberts, Ervin Rogers, Natalie Roldan, Allison Runnels, Jasmine Salaya, Angel Salcedo, Ranesha Sands, Mia Schisler, Daniel Schottenstein, Trevor Scott, Jennifer Sharr, Luke Sipple, Myla Smith, Leonard Sokolsky, Roselyn Soriano, Deidra Ann Stott, Faith Swan, Chanel Telisma-McNeil, Cameron Tellini, Clinton Thompson, Shelby Titus, Yaquelin Valdez Salazar, Linda Valencia, Carmen Velasquez Perez, Katryna Vik, Artemio Virto, Matthew Vladmir, Christian Walker, Jalisia Watts, Alexia White, Olivia White Lataydrick Willis, Jordyn Winter, Bryan Woodrow and Kelly Zwart.
National recognition honors visionary presidents, chancellors, and provosts who redefine the future of higher education through bold innovation and transformative leadership.
FORT PIERCE, FL (March 30, 2026) — Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of Indian River State College (The River) was named a recipient of Insight Into Academia magazine’s 2026 Trailblazer in Higher Education Award. This national honor recognizes senior leaders whose bold, strategic innovations have advanced institutional excellence, strengthened community and connectedness, and created meaningful, measurable impact for students, employees, and the broader academic ecosystem.
Dr. Moore is featured alongside 17 other distinguished honorees in the March 2026 issue of Insight into Academia magazine.
Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College President
“Dr. Moore exemplifies the kind of transformative, visionary leadership that elevates not only an institution, but an entire region,” said Christa Luna, Chair of the Indian River State College District Board of Trustees. “Since joining Indian River State College in 2020, he has guided the College through extraordinary growth, expanded access, invested in workforce development, and ensured that every student who walks through our doors has the support they need to succeed. This national recognition is well-deserved, and we are proud to have Dr. Moore at the helm.”
Insight Into Academia selected Dr. Moore for this award in recognition of his far-reaching impact at The River, since taking office as its president in September 2020. Under his leadership, the College secured a landmark $45 million gift – one of the largest philanthropic contributions ever received by a Florida state college – which has accelerated institutional investment in student success and community access. Dr. Moore championed the development of the Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex and expanded nursing program capacity to address Florida’s critical healthcare workforce shortage. He established the Promise Program, expanding access to higher education through tuition-free associate degrees for eligible high school students in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. He also established the Veterans Center of Excellence, a reflection of his personal commitment as an Army veteran to ensuring military-connected students receive support to thrive in college. He opened Indiantown High School, with support of private donors, and led the redesign of the Child Development Center, a full-service center for early childhood education, at the College’s Fort Pierce campus in 2023.
Dr. Moore also transformed The River into a national hub for Olympic sports, securing partnerships that brought both USA Diving’s national headquarters and USA Team Handball’s National Training Center to the College’s campus. Both the men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams won consecutive NJCAA national championships, and the softball team secured a national title in 2024.
During his tenure, The River has been named to Newsweek’s inaugural America’s Best Colleges for Women 2026 list, and IRSC Public Media stations achieved record-breaking ratings across the Treasure Coast. A scientist, entrepreneur, and decorated educator with more than 35 years of experience, Dr. Moore has brought a uniquely cross-sector perspective to higher education leadership – driving innovation, expanding research, and strengthening workforce pipelines for the four-county region The River proudly serves.
“We believe the future of higher education depends on leaders who are willing to challenge convention and embrace bold, impactful innovation,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Academia magazine. “The 2026 Trailblazer honorees represent the highest levels of strategic leadership in the field, and we are proud to celebrate their extraordinary accomplishments.”
About Indian River State College:Indian River State College serves Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offering high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. Visit irsc.edu.
About Insight Into Academia Magazine: Insight Into Academia magazine is the leader in advancing best practices in higher education excellence. Through thought-provoking print and online articles, the publication shares expert advice, valuable resources, in-depth profiles of top programs at colleges and universities, and much more to keep readers informed and empower them to advance initiatives at their institution.
Indian River State College President Accepts Recognition, Dedicates Honor to Board of Trustees, Faculty, Staff, and Students
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (March 27, 2026) — Indian River State College President Dr. Timothy Moore has been honored with a prestigious award from the Dr. Martin Luther King Commemorative Committee of St. Lucie County and the Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, in recognition of his enduring partnership, unwavering support, and personal commitment to uplifting the community through the spirit and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King Commemorative Committee and Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority members present the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Partnership Award to Indian River State College President Dr. Timothy E. Moore and District Board of Trustees
While the award was presented to Dr. Moore personally, he graciously dedicated the honor to the entire Indian River State College community — including the District Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and students — whose collective commitment to service and civic engagement he credited as the true foundation of the recognition.
“I am truly humbled by this recognition, and I want to be clear — this award belongs to every person at Indian River State College who shows up every day committed to making a difference in someone’s life,” said Dr. Moore. “To be mentioned in the same breath as Dr. King’s legacy is not something I take lightly. I simply try to do what he taught us all: serve others, lead with love, and never stop believing that we can build something better together. Any good that has come from our partnership with the MLK Committee is a reflection of this community — not of me.”
The award was presented by Larryton McNealy, Jr., Chairman of the Dr. Martin Luther King Commemorative Committee of St. Lucie County, who praised Dr. Moore’s leadership and the culture of community partnership he has cultivated at Indian River State College.
“For many years, Indian River State College has been more than a partner to our organization,” said McNealy. “Under Dr. Moore’s leadership, the college has been a pillar of support, a collaborator in purpose, and a shared voice in advancing the principles of equity, education, service, and community uplift that Dr. King championed.”
McNealy credited Dr. Moore’s leadership with enabling the committee to host meaningful commemorative events, offer educational programming, engage young people in leadership and service, and create spaces for dialogue that honor Dr. King’s legacy not only through reflection, but through action.
“Your commitment to education and civic engagement aligns seamlessly with our mission,” McNealy said. “Together we have been able to turn vision into visible impact throughout our communities. Service is strongest when it is shared, and progress is most powerful when it is collective.”
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About Indian River State College: Indian River State College (The River) serves Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offering high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. Visit irsc.edu.
From a small island, a walk-on tryout, and a hard road nobody saw — to two Olympic Games, thirteen national championships, and a dynasty built at the only place that ever felt like home.
There is a moment Sion Brinn returns to often. He is 18-years old, arriving in Fort Pierce from Jamaica with little more than ambition and an unproven talent for the water. No scholarship. No guarantees. A walk-on, by every definition — someone who shows up and asks for a chance.
He got the chance. What he did with it rewrote the record books.
Indian River State College head swimming and diving coach Sion Brinn looks on intently from the pool deck during the NJCAA Swimming and Diving Championships.
Brinn went on to compete at two Olympic Games — representing Jamaica at the 1996 Atlanta Games and Great Britain at the 2000 Sydney Games — becoming one of the rarer figures in sports history: an athlete who stood on the Olympic stage for two different nations. He claimed the ASA National Championship in the 100-meter freestyle in 1998. And then, after the competitive chapter of his life closed, he came back to the place where it all began.
Today, Sion Brinn is the Head Swimming & Diving Coach at Indian River State College. Under his leadership, The River has claimed 13 NJCAA national championships. In March 2026, hosting the national meet at their home pool in Fort Pierce, the men’s program won their 52nd consecutive title. The women’s team captured their 48th national championship — without losing a single event across four days of competition. Brinn was recognized as the 2026 NJCAA Swimming & Diving Men’s Coach of the Year.
It is, by any honest accounting, the greatest sustained dynasty in American collegiate sports. And at the center of it is a man who never forgot what it felt like to be the long shot.
A Kid from Jamaica Who Had Something to Prove
Brinn was born in Jamaica. Swimming was not a given. Resources were not a given. The path to elite athletics — for a kid from an island without the infrastructure that produces Olympic swimmers — required something extra. He found it.
Sion Brinn swims the 100-meter freestyle at the ASA National Championships
“I came from a place where if you wanted something, you had to go get it yourself. Nobody was going to hand it to you. I think that’s shaped everything about how I coach and how I live — the belief that the work is what matters, and that the work is always enough if you commit to it completely.”
Arriving at Indian River State College as a walk-on, Brinn quietly built a competitive career that would eventually take him to two continents and two different Olympic delegations. That journey was not without turbulence. The years between his first competitive strokes and the Olympic podium were marked by the kind of hardship that either breaks an athlete or forges them.
“There were times I wasn’t sure how the next chapter was going to go. Times when the circumstances of life — money, opportunity, belonging — weren’t lining up the way I’d hoped. But I never stopped moving forward. I’d learned very early that the only way out is through.”
He competed for Jamaica in Atlanta in 1996, then navigated the complex and rarely traveled path to representing Great Britain in Sydney in 2000 — one of the few athletes in Olympic history to compete for two nations. In 1998, he claimed the ASA National title in the 100-meter freestyle. It was, by any measure, a remarkable athletic biography.
But the chapter Brinn seems most connected to — the one that means the most — is the one still being written in Fort Pierce.
Coming Home
After his swimming career ended, Brinn moved into coaching. He served as head coach at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio — learning the craft, building his philosophy, finding out what kind of coach he wanted to be. Then, in 2013, Indian River State College called.
“When the opportunity came to come back here, it wasn’t a difficult decision. This place made me. It gave me a chance when I was just a kid who showed up with nothing but belief. That’s not something you forget. That’s not something you walk away from when you have the chance to give it back.”
Head coach Sion Brinn rallies the Indian River State College swimming and diving teams during prelims at the 2026 NJCAA Swimming and Diving Championships.
The homecoming was sentimental, yes. But it was also something more. Brinn arrived at a program already steeped in tradition — a program that had been winning national championships since before many of his current athletes were born. The challenge was not to build from scratch, but to sustain and extend something almost impossible to maintain.
He has done exactly that.
“Every year, I tell this team: the streak is not a gift. It’s not something we inherited and get to keep by showing up. We’ve earned it, year after year, because of a culture that doesn’t allow for shortcuts. The moment we start protecting a legacy instead of building one, we’ve already lost.”
2026: A Championship at Home
In March 2026, Indian River State College hosted the NJCAA Swimming & Diving Championships at the Anne Wilder Swimming and Diving Complex at Indian River State College in Fort Pierce. The timing felt almost scripted. In front of their own community — friends, family, the Fort Pierce faithful who had watched this program define excellence for decades — The River delivered one of the most dominant performances in the meet’s history.
Indian River State College swimmers launch off the blocks during finals competition at the 2026 NJCAA Swimming and Diving Championships, hosted at Indian River State College.
The men’s team captured their 52nd consecutive NJCAA national title. The women’s program won their 48th national championship without dropping a single event across the entire four-day competition. Sophomore Marcus Johnson of Coral Springs, Florida, set new NJCAA records in both the men’s 50-yard and 100-yard breaststroke. The men’s 400 medley relay team broke the national record by more than two seconds. And tied the 200-medley relay record that was set last year.
2026 NJCAA National Champions: Indian River State College Men’s Swimming & Diving Team
“We talk every year about not taking anything for granted, and I think that mindset is what keeps this program going. This group worked incredibly hard all year long. To do it at home, in front of our community, in front of friends and family — this one is very special.”
The atmosphere at the Anne Wilder Swimming and Diving Complex that weekend carried a weight that went beyond scorelines and record splits. For Brinn, it connected to something deeply personal.
2026 NJCAA Champions: Indian River State College Women’s Swimming & Diving Team
“When I was swimming here, we were going for the 18th and 19th championships. To have now won 52 is something I’ll never quite be able to put into words. This is what we work for every single day.”
Indian River State College President Dr. Timothy E. Moore, who has watched the program’s culture up close, put it plainly: “This is an extraordinary culture of excellence that this coaching staff and these student-athletes live every single day.”
Indian River State College head coach Sion Brinn receives the NJCAA Men’s Swimming & Diving Coach of the Year award on stage during the 2026 NJCAA Swimming and Diving Championships awards ceremony.
Champions in the Classroom
The excellence Brinn has helped build at Indian River State College does not stop at the pool’s edge. The athletic department has placed a deliberate, sustained emphasis on academic achievement alongside athletic performance — and the results speak for themselves.
This past fall, Indian River State College athletics achieved record-breaking academic performance, with a 3.4 overall GPA across all athletic programs. Three teams finished with a GPA of 3.51 or higher, including the women’s swimming and diving team — a reflection of a program that takes the student side of student-athlete seriously.
“We recruit competitors, but we’re developing people. These athletes are going to leave here and build careers, start families, and lead communities. What happens in the classroom shapes all of that. We hold ourselves to the same standard academically that we hold ourselves to in the water—excellence is the expectation, full stop.”
That philosophy has taken root across the program. The women’s team, which swept the national championships without dropping a single event in 2026, also stood among the top academic performers in the entire athletic department. For Brinn, that dual standard is not a side note to the dynasty — it is part of its foundation.
Members of The Indian River State College Swimming and Diving Team receive the Academic All-Stars Skull Award for their high academic achievement in 2026.
What Actually Drives Him
Ask Brinn what motivates him — what gets him on deck before dawn, what fuels the recruiting conversations and the hard conversations and the thousand decisions a season demands — and he comes back to the same place every time: the walk-on who got a chance.
“Every student-athlete who comes through that door, I see myself in them. I know what it means to need someone to believe in you. That’s the job. That’s the real job. The championships are the result. The work is in the people.”
That philosophy — meet athletes where they are, demand everything they have, believe in them before they believe in themselves — has produced Olympians, national champions, and, by all accounts, people who carry their time at The River with them long after they’ve left the pool.
“Swimming teaches you things that have nothing to do with swimming. Discipline. Accountability. How to fail and get back in the water. I want every athlete who comes through this program to leave with those things – to leave here knowing what they’re capable of. The trophies and recognition are great. That’s what lasts.”
The numbers are staggering. The streak is historic. But the thing Sion Brinn seems most proud of — the thing that makes him lean forward when he talks about this program — is simpler than all of it.
“I came here as a kid with a drive and a dream. And this place gave me a life. If I can do that for even a handful of the young people who come through here, then I’ve done my job. That’s the whole thing, right there.
Indian River State College Swimming & Diving Head Coach Sion Brinn
Sion Brinn: By the Numbers
2 Olympic Games represented (1996 Atlanta for Jamaica; 2000 Sydney for Great Britain)
13 NJCAA National Championships as Head Coach at Indian River State College
52 Consecutive men’s NJCAA national titles at Indian River State College — the longest active streak in collegiate sports
48 Women’s NJCAA national championships at Indian River State College
About Indian River State College: Indian River State College serves Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offering high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. Visitirsc.edu.
Men Claim 52nd Consecutive Title • Women Capture 48th National Crown
The River Extends the Longest Active Championship Streak in Collegiate Sports History — and Adds Another Crown to the Women’s Historic Total
CHAMPIONSHIP TOTALS
Men’s Team: 52nd Consecutive National Championship
Women’s Team: 48th National Championship Title
FORT PIERCE, FL (March 7, 2026) — In a performance that once again left the collegiate sports world in awe, the Indian River State College (The River) Swimming and Diving program claimed its 52nd consecutive NJCAA National Championship, completing a dominant four-day run at the NJCAA Swimming & Diving Championships hosted at the College’s home pool in Fort Pierce, Florida.
NJCAA National Champions: Indian River State College Men’s Swimming & Diving Team
The men’s team secured their 52nd straight national title, extending the longest active championship streak in all of collegiate athletics. The women’s squad captured their 48th national crown — a total that stands as one of the most decorated championship résumés any program has ever assembled in collegiate sports. Together, the two programs further cemented The River’s standing as the preeminent swimming and diving dynasty in the history of American collegiate athletics.
NJCAA National Champions: Indian River State College Women’s Swimming and Diving Team
“We talk every year about not taking anything for granted, and I think that mindset is what keeps this program going,” said Head Swimming Coach Sion Brinn, a River alumnus, former Olympic swimmer, and 13-Time National Champion Coach. “This group worked incredibly hard all year long. To do it at home, in front of our community, in front of friends and family – this one is very special.”
Competition ran from Wednesday, March 4 through Saturday, March 7, 2026.
The meet in Fort Pierce, Florida produced record-breaking performances on both sides. Sophomore Marcus Johnson rewrote the NJCAA record book twice over, first setting a new national record in the men’s 50-yard breaststroke, then breaking the national record in the men’s 100-yard breaststroke — not once, but twice during the competition. The men’s 400 medley relay team of Noah Smith, Marcus Johnson, Zack Gresham, and Oliver Nell shattered the national record by more than two seconds. That same foursome also equaled the existing national record in the 200-medley relay.
Indian River State College Sophomore and NJCAA Record Holder Marcus Johnson
The women’s program delivered a performance of historic dominance: The River’s women did not lose a single event across the entire championship meet — a sweep that underscored just how complete and commanding their 48th national title truly was.
“This team was something special,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College President. “Broken national records and relay teams rewriting the record books – in front of their own community, in their own pool. That’s the kind of performance you remember forever, and it doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because of an extraordinary culture of excellence that this coaching staff and these student-athletes live every single day. We are incredibly proud of this team – and proud that they have carried an extraordinary legacy forward in such spectacular fashion.”
By virtually any measure, The River’s sustained excellence stands in a class of its own. It’s believed to be among the longest — if not the longest– winning streaks in sports history.
For Brinn — himself a former walk-on athlete at the College who went on to compete at the Olympic level before returning to coach his alma mater — Saturday’s victory marked his 13th national championship as head coach and added another chapter to a legacy he continues to help write.
“When I was swimming here, we were going for 18th and 19th,” Brinn said. “To have now won 52 is something I’ll never quite be able to put into words. This is what we work for every single day.”
About Indian River State College: Indian River State College serves Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offering high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. Visitirsc.edu.
Fort Pierce, FL (February 23, 2026) — Indian River State College (The River) is proud to announce that Joe Wilson, assistant technical director at The River’s performing and visual arts department, has been awarded the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) Gold Medallion.
Wilson received the award, which is the most prestigious regional honor in collegiate theatre education, at the 58th ACTF Region IV Festival, held in Montgomery, Alabama.
Joe Wilson (left) receives the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Gold Medallion from Starr Garrett, Vice-Chair of ACTF Region IV, at the 58th Region IV Festival in Montgomery, Alabama.
“Supporting the American College Theatre Festival has always been about celebrating excellence in collegiate theatre and providing students with access to tools and experiences beyond their home institutions that allow them to grow as artists,” said Wilson. “I am incredibly proud and profoundly humbled to be counted among the recipients of the Gold Medallion and will work hard to live up to its legacy.”
The Gold Medallion is awarded to individuals or organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to the teaching and producing of theater, and who have demonstrated deep commitment to the development of the American College Theatre Festival. According to the Festival, the Medallion honors those who have “significantly dedicated their time, artistry and enthusiasm” to ACTF and to excellence in educational theatre — and is widely regarded as one of the great honors in the field.
Wilson, a Port St. Lucie resident, has served on the ACTF Region IV leadership team for 14 years, working behind the scenes to maintain the region’s technical infrastructure — including its website, conference registration, scheduling, and payment systems. In 2022, he received the region’s Unsung Hero Award in recognition of his pivotal role in steering the festival through the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he managed two consecutive years of fully virtual conferences — ensuring that students across the region retained access to professional development resources, scholarship competitions, and industry connections during an unprecedented disruption to campus life.
“Joe is an invaluable member of our team and an essential part of the ACTF Region IV community,” said Alex Kanter, Associate Dean of English, Philosophy & Performing Arts. “His commitment to ACTF Region IV and to our students here at Indian River State College has been extraordinary. We are incredibly proud of him, and this honor is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his lasting contributions to theatre education.”
The award was presented by Starr Garrett, Vice-Chair of ACTF Region IV.
The honor adds to a history of regional recognition for Indian River State College Performing Arts as a whole. The program has twice been selected to present productions at the ACTF Region IV Festival — a distinction earned by only four to six programs per season from the region’s participating schools. The River was selected in 2011 for Hunting Aliens by David Moberg, and again in 2024 for Labyrinth of Love by Sor Juana, in an original translation and adaptation by Alex Kanter.
The American College Theatre Festival is a national organization dedicated to celebrating excellence in collegiate theatre and supporting the development of college theatre students through professional workshops, scholarship competitions, industry networking, and the work of a nationwide network of respondents who attend and evaluate participating schools’ productions.
Indian River State College offers associate degree programs in performing and visual arts, providing students with a strong foundation in theory and hands-on learning through one-on-one lessons, ensembles, and live productions. The A.A. degree is flexible enough to let students customize their path — a theatre student might add dance courses, while a music student can focus on education or a specific instrument. Beyond the classroom, Indian River State College serves as a cultural hub for the region, hosting multiple staged productions each year and offering performance opportunities through ensembles like Chamber Winds, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Combo, all within the McAlpin Fine Arts Center’s 632-seat theatre, black box theater, galleries, and studios. Graduates go on to pursue bachelor’s degrees or launch careers with entertainment companies, cruise lines, music studios, and digital media outlets — equipped with the same principles taught at four-year universities.
NJCAA Swimming & Diving Championships to take place at Indian River State College on March 4-7, 2026.
FORT PIERCE, FL (February 19, 2026) —The men’s team has won 51 consecutive swimming and diving championships, and the women’s team has won 47 national swimming and diving championships, representing the longest championship streaks in collegiate sports history. The dominance of the Indian River State College Swimming and Diving Team is comparable to the legacies of the Boston Celtics, New York Yankees, and the UCLA Bruins.
This March, Indian River State College (The River) will again host the NJCAA Swimming National Championships, bringing the nation’s top junior college swimmers and divers to the Treasure Coast for four days of competition from Wednesday, March 4, through Saturday, March 7. The event marks a continuation of a decades-long tradition, with The River hosting the championships every other year for more than 24 years.
“Hosting the nationals is a pretty nice little tradition, because we have managed to do it every other year for well over 24 years,” said Sion Brinn, Head Swimming Coach at Indian River State College and former Olympic competitor. “It’s a good home competition. It’s nice for the kids to stay in their own environment, and we get probably a little bit more friends, family, spectators that come down to cheer for them.”
Brinn’s journey with Indian River State College exemplifies the program’s legacy. A former walk-on athlete at The River, he went on to compete at the Olympic level before returning home to coach. Now in his 13th year as head coach, he is preparing the team for their 52nd consecutive national championship attempt.
“At the time, as a student-athlete, you didn’t really realize the legacy you’ve already been a part of, because we were only going for 18th and 19th in my two years that were here,” Brinn reflected. “And to see that we’re going for number 52, 30-something years later is pretty impressive, but also pretty cool to be a part of the program for 13 years as a coach and two years as an athlete.”
Championship Schedule and Community Celebration
The championships will feature preliminary competition beginning at 9:30 a.m. each day, with finals starting at 5:30 p.m. A short diving session will follow preliminaries, lasting about an hour between 11:00 a.m. and noon.
Student-Athlete Success Beyond the Pool
Indian River State College’s athletic department has maintained a strong emphasis on academic achievement alongside athletic excellence. This past fall, the athletics department achieved record-breaking academic performance with a 3.4 overall GPA. Three teams, including the women’s swimming and diving team, finished with a 3.51 GPA or higher.
“When I first got here, our GPAs ranged in the 2.7, 2.8 range,” said Stephanie Skidmore, Assistant Director of Athletics at The River. “And now about 15 years later, we’re up in the 3.5 range. So, I think setting the expectations and just kids want to perform. They’re athletes. They’re competitors. That’s what they want here. So, we just set the right expectations.”
The swimming and diving team trains nine times per week, with morning and afternoon practice sessions, as they prepare for the national championships.
“We have a strong team, but I take nothing for chance,” Brinn said. “So, we’re just trying to make sure we get the most of what we can get out of every athlete in every event that they’re potentially training to swim in.”
Historic Legacy and Community Impact
The River’s swimming and diving program holds a distinction that extends beyond the NJCAA level. According to Skidmore, the team’s championship streak represents the longest in all of collegiate athletics, not just junior college competition.
“Our swim team, it’s not just in the NJCAA that we hold this record,” she said. “I believe it’s all records if I am correct, where nobody has won this many. So, it’s fun to get people involved and to see the hard work that these kids are doing and these coaches are doing.”
The athletic department also emphasizes community service, with student-athletes participating in events such as Night to Shine, volunteering with the Humane Society and Treasure Coast Food Bank, and supporting Special Olympics swim meets.
“For the community, it’s a chance to see what we’ve built over the years and come and support what hopefully will be a continuation of traditions that have been coming in the past and continue for years to come,” Brinn said.
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About Indian River State College:Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
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