On February 2, 2023, ICSA President and Head Coach of Old Dominion University Mitch Brindley was named recipient of the Nathanael G. Herreshoff Trophy. The Herreshoff Trophy is US Sailing’s most prestigious award. After being donated by the National Marine Manufactuer’s Association in 1957, this award is given out annually to an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to the sport of sailing in the United States in any associated activity.
Mitch Brindley has been president of the ICSA for 21 years and is stepping down at the end of the spring season. Mitch has guided the ICSA through unprecedented and uneasy times from which the organization has emerged stronger than ever. Adam Werblow, Head Coach at St. Mary’s College of Maryland stated, “For the past two decades, Mitch’s selfless and calm leadership has guided the passionate coaches, student-athletes & dedicated volunteers to continuously improve the sport of College Sailing. His balanced approach helped our sport to grow and thrive. Simply put, he has helped to make our amazing game even better!”
Mitch has supported many different initiatives throughout his time as ICSA President. He oversaw the development of the Women's Team Race National Championship, the transition from a berth-based national championship qualification system to a competitive at-large selection based system, and the hiring of the first full-time Executive Director of the ICSA. That being said, Mitch’s support of student leadership within the ICSA has allowed for current college sailors to have a significant say in how the sport is governed and supports each of its sailors. This has led to the development of The Inclusivity, Diversity and Equity Task Force (ICSA TIDE) which has been at the forefront of the sailing community’s efforts to strive towards becoming more diverse and inclusive. Additionally, Mitch enabled student leaders to confront and guide the ICSA on other difficult subjects like sexual assault and sexual harrasment. Former PCCSC President Mackenzie Berwick stated, “I can't think of a more deserving person to win this award. In all aspects of his leadership, Mitch has been humble, kind, thoughtful, and stoic. He is adaptive and understanding and always eager to support college sailing in all its facets. Mitch paved the way for me to lead conversations about sexual assault and harassment in college sailing and bring together an engaged task force. With any leader less committed or less compassionate, I do not know if that would have been possible. Mitch is truly worthy of the utmost honor and recognition.” Mitch has served as a mentor for many student leaders from across the nation so that they can make an impact in the ICSA. Anna Morrow, the current ICSA Vice President said, “Mitch has volunteered countless hours for ICSA and his knowledge of the workings of college sailing certainly shows. It was great to work with him and learn from him in my time on student leadership for ICSA. Thank you Mitch for all you’ve done!”
As a coach, Mitch is widely respected across all parts of the sailing community. Reflecting on her time as one of Mitch’s sailors, Bridget Groble had this to say, “Mitch perfectly exemplifies what a coach should be. He is as committed to producing strong sailors as he is well-rounded young adults. What’s special about being an ODU Sailing alumni is the shared experience of being shaped by such a great coach. Mitch’s legacy is evident in how his alumni continue to give back to the sport of sailing.” Mitch has produced numerous All-Americans and several olympic sailors through the ODU program. In addition, ODU has secured seven national championships during his tenure.
Mitch has left a tremendous mark on college sailing. Dillion Paiva, current Navy Associate Head Coach and ODU alum, had this to say about Mitch’s legacy, “I’ve known Mitch for fifteen years, while I was a recruit, athlete and colleague. The entire time I’ve known him, Mitch has also been the leader and figurehead of College Sailing. You would be hard pressed to find anyone who has given more to our sport, whoever takes on this role next has big shoes to fill.” Mitch Brindley has left an incredible legacy across college sailing. Charles Higgins, Head Coach at Tulane University, sums up Mitch’s impact best as he stated, “I believe everyone who has had the privilege of being around Mitch in any capacity is especially proud of him for receiving this most prestigious award. Through countless hours and sacrificing so much he has left an indelible mark on what College Sailing is today. While many will remark about his own accolades as a champion athlete, and certainly what he has helped others achieve as a coach, his lasting legacy will continue to be felt through those that he continues to inspire. Mitch is the start of a coaching tree that spreads through College Sailing, and whose branches reach coast to coast. With over a dozen of his former athletes now serving as coaches at other programs, and an even greater number that have also spent time as coaches in the collegiate game, Mitch has had a direct impact into so many lives that very few realize. Without a doubt, none of those coaches nor the programs they lead would enjoy the successes they now have without the influence of such a great leader like Mitch. We are all forever indebted to Mitch Brindley.”