Washington’s Smith wins 2026 CSM Boys Swim and Dive Coach of the Year

Washington’s boys swim and dive team had strength in numbers, leading to an undefeated season all the way through sectionals. 

The Panthers made a splash everywhere they went in the 2025-26 season, leading to head coach Tom Smith being named Clutch Sports Media’s 2026 Boys Swim and Dive Coach of the Year. 

Smith led the Panthers, who headline a co-op that includes Morton and East Peoria, to their third straight sectional title, where they edged past Normal Community in a highly-competitive Normal West Sectional. Washington had three different individual state qualifiers in a total of four events while also sending two of its relay teams to state. 

Washington had strength across the board, evidenced by nine swimmers earning spots on Clutch Sports Media’s 2026 Boys Swim and Dive All-Area team, led by first team selections Drake Shepherdson and Aiden Crull. The Panthers also featured Bryant Empey, the Mid-Illini runner-up in diving.

Hear from Smith about this season and his career in our interview with him below.

What have you been able to reflect on in the days since the season has ended? 

“We are always looking ahead, trying to improve from one year to the next,” Smith said. “We are looking forward to working harder next year and we hope to make a bigger impact at the State meet.”

In your mind, what made the team so special this year?

“The swimmers’ unselfishness,” Smith said. “We went undefeated in the regular season, won the Mid-Illini Conference meet and the sectional meet as well.  This is the first time our team had an unblemished record going into the state meet.”

What’s your coaching background?

“I have been coaching for 31 years,” Smith said. “I was a football, track and field and swim coach for three years at Princeton Township High School from 1994-1997. Since then I have been teaching and coaching at Washington Community High School. I have been coaching girls track and field at Washington since 1998. I coached football for ten years and then cross country for 14 years. I took over the boys swim team at WCHS in 2014. I left the cross country program four years ago to become the girls swim assistant coach.”    

What helps keep you motivated to coach?

“I like to see student athletes improve,” Smith said. “I enjoy helping athletes meet their goals individually and as a team.”

Aside from winning, what’s a fun memory with your team that you’ve had from this past season? 

“I enjoy lifting weights with the swimmers,” Smith said. “It gives me a chance to talk to the athletes more. When they are training in the pool, I don’t always have the opportunity to talk to them due to them being in the water. I always enjoy and think it is fun to watch the swimmers work hard in the water and in the weight room.”

What’s a piece of coaching advice you’d give or one that's been especially helpful for you?

“Whether you are the best swimmer on the team or not, everyone has a chance to improve,” Smith said. “I enjoy watching swimmers and divers improve. Take time to celebrate every success individually and as a team.”