Kei Lamberson Outstanding Coach Award
The Kei Lamberson Outstanding Coach Award is an annual $500 award presented to a GPSA coach who exemplifies joy, compassion, and companionship in connecting with swimmers. Coaches are nominated by GPSA families, and a winner is selected each summer.
Who Was Kei Lamberson?
Kei Lamberson
1991 - 2018
Kei grew up heavily involved in swimming, competing for SEVA, Typhoon Aquatics, CGBD, Marlbank Mudtoads, and York High. He became a coach for Marlbank for two summers before passing away in 2018 at 27 years old.
Kei approached life with an unbelievable amount of joy, compassion, and companionship. He strove every day to pursue living life to the fullest, connecting with those around him and letting nothing slow him down. He cared deeply about others, without expecting any reciprocation.
His enjoyment in connecting with others was exemplified in his approach towards coaching, where he made a point to connect with each swimmer, enabling and supporting each swimmer to find their passion in the sport. His ability to bring out the best in each individual led swimmers to look up to him and parents to appreciate his team leadership.
The Kei Lamberson Award goes to the coach that best exemplifies these qualities, displaying their passion for the sport and connecting with each swimmer.
Award Details
- Award Amount: $500, funded by an annual contribution from the Lamberson family
- Recipients: One coach or team of co-coaches per season
- Nomination: By GPSA families through their team’s GPSA Representative
Nomination Process
This is a nomination award, not an application. GPSA Representatives may nominate a coach and seek someone familiar with that coach to draft the nomination essay.
Step 1: Download the Nomination Form
Download and fill out the Nomination Form.
Step 2: Write the Nomination Essay
2026 Essay Topic: “How has your coach demonstrated joy, compassion and companionship in connecting with all swimmers on your team this summer?”
Essay Requirements:
- Minimum 250 words, maximum 750 words
- Submit in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or similar format
Step 3: Submit to Your GPSA Representative
Submit the completed nomination form and essay to your team’s GPSA Representative.
Step 4: Representative Submits to GPSA
The GPSA Representative will email the nomination to scholarships@gpsaswimming.org with the subject line “Kei Lamberson Coach Award.”
Deadline
All entries must be emailed by the GPSA Representative by midnight, July 26, 2026.
Award Announcement
The winner will be announced at the Championship Meet (City Meet) on August 1, 2026.