Main Body
CHICAGO, (April 1, 2026)— As part of its commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, YMCA of the USA (Y-USA), the national resource office for the 2,600+ YMCAs across the country, partners with the Adolph Kiefer family each year to present the Adolph Kiefer YMCA Youth Character Award. This prestigious recognition is awarded to two exceptional individuals who exemplify strong character, academic excellence, and a dedication to their communities through YMCA competitive swimming.
The YMCA and the Adolph Kiefer family are proud to announce that this year’s honorees are Aubrey Mitchell (YMCA of the Triangle Area, Raleigh, NC) and Victoria Evans (Sussex Family YMCA, Rehobeth Beach, DE) whose dedication and character make them deserving recipients of the 2026 award. More on each athlete can be read below.
The award stems from the Adolph Kiefer Memorial Fund, established through the generosity of the Kiefer family. Adolph Kiefer, a legendary figure in swimming history, first discovered his passion for the sport at Chicago’s Wilson YMCA, where he learned to swim. A 1936 Olympic gold medalist in the 100-meter backstroke, Kiefer dominated the sport, losing only once in over 2,000 races. His contributions extended beyond competition—he revolutionized swimming with innovative inventions, holding 14 U.S. patents, including the first kickboard, non-turbulent lane lines, and the nylon swimsuit.
Each year, two graduating high school senior athletes are selected for their academic achievements, embodiment of the YMCA’s core values—caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility—and commitment to community service. Recipients each receive a $2,500 scholarship, paid directly to their chosen higher education institutions for the 2026-2027 academic year.
2026 Award Recipients
Aubrey Mitchell
YMCA of the Triangle Area | Raleigh, NC
Aubrey is a graduating senior from Riverside High School in Durham, NC and a 12 year member of the YMCA of the Triangle (YOTA) Swim Team, whose leadership, service, and academic excellence exemplify the spirit of the Adolph Kiefer YMCA Youth Character Award. A 4.0 GPA student and future Emory University student-athlete, Aubrey balances rigorous academics with elite athletic commitment. She serves her community through roles such as President of her school’s Interact Club, tutor with National Honor Society, Worship Committee member, and YMCA National Athlete Council representative. Aubrey started a food pantry for fellow students in need and worked with a local animal shelter. Whether mentoring younger swimmers, or leading team culture initiatives, she consistently leads with integrity, empathy, and humility. As one coach shared, “Aubrey represents the very best of what the YMCA hopes to develop in young people,” adding that he would rank her “in the top 1%” of athletes he has coached. Another recommender noted that Aubrey’s leadership is grounded in care for others, describing her as “a young woman of integrity, compassion, and responsibility whose presence strengthens the people around her.”
Victoria Evans
Sussex Family YMCA | Rehobeth Beach, DE
Victoria is a graduating senior at Sussex Academy in Rehoboth Beach, DE and a 12 year member of the Sussex Family YMCA Tsunami Swim Team. A 3.75 GPA student and future Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania–Bloomsburg student, Victoria has served as captain of both her YMCA and high school teams, is an assistant coach and a youth mentor. She maintains a deep dedication to community service through water safety initiatives, events such as the Boardwalk Buddy Walk, and countless volunteer hours at YMCA and community programs like the SPCA, Delaware Parks and a local shelter. Recognized as the Sussex Family YMCA Young Adult Volunteer of the Year, Victoria consistently leads with humility and heart, stepping in wherever help is needed, whether behind the scenes at swim meets or mentoring younger athletes on deck. One coach shared that “Victoria embodies the spirit of the YMCA and the character this award was designed to celebrate,” while another reflected on her impact more personally, noting that on difficult days he often thinks, “I sure could use some Victoria Evans today.” Through her quiet leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to others, Victoria strengthens every community she is part of.
About the Y
Driven by its founding mission, the Y has served as a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community for more than 175 years. The Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by ensuring access to resources, relationships, and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from different backgrounds, perspectives and generations, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections in and across 10,000 communities nationwide. Learn more at ymca.org.