Conference

92nd Annual NISCA National Conference, June 2026

Grand Rapids MI

June 23 - 26, 2026 New Dates!

Conference Registration:

Fees:

$125 First time NISCA Conference Attendees

$175 Regular Registration (2/1 - 5/14/2026)

$200 Late Registration (5/15 - 6/23, 2026)

$50 Social Only - Join us just for the evening socials! Sign up on the Conference Registration form.

NEW - $59 - NISCA Golf Outing at Boulder Creek Golf Club: 18 Holes, cart, hot dog and beer

NEW - ASCA Stroke School with Russell Mark: Tuesday 6/23, 12pm - 5pm. $125, Current NISCA member 25% off ($93.75), New NISCA Conference Attendee 50% off ( $62.50). New Conference attendees, make sure to register for the NISCA Conference first!

Click here to register for the Conference:

https://forms.gle/AJ6DBZzDWPMjbJ2v5

Click here to register for Golf:

https://forms.gle/J6RPv4184kWuE9xH7

Click here to register for the ASCA Stroke School with Russell Mark:

https://forms.gle/M1qwGMK4TEeYQSFMA

Hotel Information:

Hotel: Embassy Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown

Airport Shuttle : None

Room Rate: $189/night + tax (18%)

Cut Off Date: May 15th.

Reservations:

Booking link for all rooms: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/nationalinterscholasticswimmingcoaches/

Or you can call the hotel directly at 616-512-5700 or or call 1-800-774-1500 and reference NISCA to confirm the special rate.

Hotel Arrival: 4:00 p.m.

Hotel Departure: 12:00 noon

Hotel Parking: Free

Reservations must be made by May 15th, 2026. Reservations made after this date will be taken on a space available basis only.

Transportation:

There is not a shuttle from the Airport to the hotel, but Uber and Lyft are available.

For transportation around downtown Grand Rapids there is a free DASH bus that picks up right outside the hotel and makes a loop around the downtown area attractions. Find the map here: https://downtowngr.org/get/dash

NISCA Business 2026

Election for Secretary:

Current Secretary: Eve Julian

Proposed By-Law Changes:

Proposal 1 - Changing the NISCA Fiscal Year

* If you are interested in running for any position and would like to introduce yourself to the membership, please reach out to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

2026 Conference Speakers

	Russell Mark is one of the foremost experts in swimming mechanics and performance analytics in the United States. Over the past four Olympic Games, American swimmers have captured 123 medals, including 56 golds, and Mark’s influence has helped power many of those podium performances. As a longtime High-Performance Manager for USA Swimming, he has become widely known for blending science, data, and video analysis to unlock speed at the highest level. The Washington Post once dubbed him the team’s “secret weapon.” Mark led the creation of a cutting-edge analytics software platform more than a decade ago that remains a cornerstone of National Team race feedback today. By studying stroke mechanics, starts, turns, and race strategy frame by frame, he provides targeted insights that help swimmers and coaches make measurable improvements. He has worked directly with Olympic champions, including Katie Ledecky, Simone Manuel, Nathan Adrian, and Michael Phelps, and has delivered hundreds of lectures while contributing to numerous books and research publications on technique and performance. A graduate of the University of Virginia with a degree in aerospace engineering, Mark began his professional career working on experimental military jet engine programs at Pratt & Whitney. His deep understanding of physics, fluid dynamics, and engineering principles uniquely equips him to analyze propulsion and drag—transforming complex science into faster swimming. Russell joined the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) as a Performance and Education Advisor in 2022
	Jacci Storey is a passionate coach, educator, and sport psychology professional with more than 20 years of experience developing athletes at every level. Throughout her career, she has coached athletes of all ages to break records, achieve personal bests, qualify for Nationals and Futures, win championships, and truly enjoy their sport. Jacci holds an undergraduate degree in K–12 Education and spent nine years as a classroom teacher before earning her master’s degree in Sport Psychology from Adams State University. Her combined background in education and mental performance gives her a unique ability to connect with athletes, strengthen mindset, and build confidence alongside physical performance. A former collegiate athlete, Jacci founded cross-country and track programs in 2002 and has built them into competitive, culture-driven teams. As an athlete herself, she has won numerous 5Ks and half marathons, completed duathlons and ultramarathons, and credits mental strength as the driving force behind her endurance success. Currently, Jacci serves as a professor at Aquinas College, Head Coach of the Cross Country and Track & Field programs, Executive President of the Michigan Interscholastic Track Coaches Association, and owner of Elite Performance. Above all, she is a dedicated wife and proud mother of three athletes, living out the same passion for sport and growth that she instills in those she coaches.
	Bill Dorenkott brings 35 years of collegiate coaching experience and enters the 2025–26 season as the Director of Swimming & Diving at Ohio State University, his 18th overall year with the Buckeyes and ninth leading the combined program. A four-time Big Ten Women’s Coach of the Year and the longest-tenured coach in the conference, Dorenkott has built one of the premier programs in the nation. In 2025, the Ohio State women captured their fifth Big Ten title in six years, while the men placed in the conference top three for the 16th consecutive season. His teams have earned 10 NCAA Top-20 finishes on the women’s side, including a program-best sixth in 2023, and four Top-10 finishes with the men. Previously, Dorenkott led the women’s program at Penn State University to three Big Ten titles and consistent national success. Through his career, he has coached eight Big Ten championship teams, 87 individual conference champions, 30 relay champions, and 449 NCAA qualifiers. Internationally respected for developing elite talent, Dorenkott has coached Olympic, World Championship, and U.S. National Team athletes, including world-record holder Hunter Armstrong. A former standout at Cleveland State University, he was a 15-time conference champion and later began his head coaching career at Ashland University, leading both programs to conference titles.
	Bradley Warren Dr. Warren has been with the Department of Applied Physiology & Sport Management Department since January of 2013, bringing in a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Driven by a deep passion for both education and athletic development, Dr. Warren is committed to introducing innovative coaching methodologies to college students, aiming to inspire and shape the next generation of coaches. With a forward-thinking mindset and a strong foundation in both theory and practice, he seeks to bridge the gap between traditional coaching techniques and modern, evidence-based approaches. The goal is not only to enhance the skill sets of aspiring coaches but also to instill in them a mindset of continuous learning, adaptability, and leadership. By fostering an environment that encourages experimentation, critical thinking, and collaboration, his hope to empower students to become transformative figures in the world of sports. Developing coaches who are not only technically proficient but also emotionally intelligent, culturally aware, and equipped to lead diverse teams in an ever-evolving athletic landscape. In addition to teaching, Dr. Warren coached at multiple levels, from coaching college, high school, age group and summer league teams. His accolades include having coached 18 State Champions, 7 All-Americans, 11 All-American considerations, 3 Academic All-Americans and broke over 150 team records.
	Josh Runkle is the Head Coach of Boys Swimming & Diving and Aquatics Director at New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois, and a 2026 NISCA Outstanding Service Award Winner. Since taking over the storied program in 2014, he has continued New Trier’s long tradition of excellence, guiding the Trevians to an Illinois High School Association (IHSA) state championship in 2018 along with runner-up finishes in 2023 and 2024, as well as multiple conference and sectional championships. During his tenure at New Trier, Josh has been named the Illinois Swimming & Diving Association State Coach of the Year 5 times. Before arriving at New Trier, Runkle spent 11 seasons as head coach at Glenbrook North High School, where his teams won six Central Suburban League North championships and three sectional titles, earning four sectional Coach of the Year honors. Earlier in his career, he served as head coach at Highland Park High School and began as an assistant at New Trier. A native of Peoria, Illinois, Runkle graduated from Richwoods High School and earned his undergraduate degree from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree from National Louis University. During his 27 years as a head coach, Josh has coached 19 All-American Relays and 18 individual All-American recipients and has been a speaker at the ASCA World Clinic & CSCCA Annual Meeting. At New Trier, he also serves as a Kinetic Wellness teacher and works with more than 100 swimmers each season across freshman, junior varsity, and varsity levels.
	Suzie Hoyt - 2026 NISCA Hall of Fame Award Winner. Suzanne Hoyt grew up in Potomac, Md, the youngest of 4 girls, and graduated from the Holton-Arms School in 1983. In 1987, she received a BA in Zoology from Connecticut College and started coaching a summer league while she was in college Suzanne has been the Head Boys’ Coach at Glastonbury High School since 1990 (Girls since 2003). She has been the Central Ct Conference (CCC) Divisional coordinator for Boys’ Swimming for 28 years and the CCC League coordinator for both Girls' and Boys' Swimming for 23 years. Additionally, she is the All-State Awards Chairperson (23 yrs), the Boys’ Swim Committee Chairperson (11 yrs), and the Connecticut Boys’ Swimming representative to NISCA since 2019. Suzzane has won numerous COTY awards from the State and was selected as the Positive Coaching Alliance Double-Goal COTY and National Panelist for Youth Sports in 2017. Additionally, she has been a 4-time NHSCA COTY Finalist and the recipient of the 25-yr Award and the Outstanding Service Award from NISCA. In 2023, she was inducted into the Connecticut High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Suzanne is married to Steve and has 3 sons, one of whom is a College Assistant Coach. In her free time, you can find her outside in her perennial gardens.

2025 Conference Agenda
Click here to download a copy

Day 1 - Tuesday June 23, 2026
Start	End		Room
7:00 AM	8:00 AM	Audit committee (Closed) NISCA Letterhead Only
8:00 AM	9:00 AM	Diving Committee
8:00 AM	9:00 AM	Letterhead Breakfast NISCA Letterhead Only
9:00 AM	10:30 AM	AA Chairs (Closed) NISCA Letterhead Only
10:00 AM	11:00 AM	Coaches Education open to all attendees
10:00 AM	12:00 PM	Professional Awards (Closed) NISCA Letterhead Only
11:00 AM	5:00 PM	Golf - Seperate Reservation Required
12:00 PM	5:00 PM	ASCA Stroke School with Russell Mark - Separate Registration Required
3:00 PM	5:00 PM	Registration Open
5:30 PM	7:30 PM	Reception at the Score - open to all attendees

Day 2 - Wednesday June 24, 2026
Start	End		Room
7:15 AM	8:00 AM	Hotel Breakfast, Registration Open
8:00 AM	9:00 AM	NISCA Meeting #1
9:00 AM	10:00 AM	Bradley Warren - Athlete Centered Approach
10:00 AM	10:30 AM	AA General Meeting
10:30 AM	11:30 AM	Josh Runkle - TBD
10:30 PM	11:30 PM	Dive Coaches Round Table
12:00 PM	1:30 PM	Lunch on your own
1:30 PM	2:30 PM	Jacci Storey - Athlete Mental Health
2:30 PM	3:30 PM	Vendor presentations and networking time
3:30 PM	4:30 PM	Suzie Hoyt - Fun and Games
3:30 PM	4:30 PM	Water Polo Coaches Roundtable
4:30 PM	5:30 PM	Bradley Warren - Developing Discipline
5:30 PM	7:00 PM	Reception at City Built

Day 3 - Thursday June 25, 2026
Start	End		Room
7:15 AM	8:00 AM	Breakfast in the Hotel
8:00 AM	9:00 AM	NISCA Meeting #2 & #3
9:00 AM	10:00 AM	Bill Dorenkott - TBD
10:00 AM	10:30 AM	Rules Forum/Workshop
10:30 AM	11:30 AM	Russel Mark - "Maximum Speed with Optimal Technique"
12:00 PM	1:00 PM	Lunch on your Own
1:30 PM	4:30 PM	Pool Sessions @ Northview - Russell Mark (Starts and Underwater Kicking) & Bill Dorenkott
1:30 PM	4:30 PM	Pool Sessions @ Northview - Water Polo
1:30 PM	4:30 PM	Pool Sessions @ Northview - John Pearson Diving
4:30 PM	5:30 PM	Time to return and dress
5:30 PM	6:30 PM	Hotel Reception
6:30 PM	8:30 PM	Banquet

Day 4 - Friday June 26, 2026
Start	End		Room
8:00 AM	9:00 AM	Breakfast in the hotel
9:00 AM	10:00 AM	Awardee Coaches Round Table - Ask your questions
10:00 AM	11:30 AM	Executive Board Meeting

** Any new Constitutional or By-Law proposals must be presented to the Secretary IN WRITING including the rationale, a MINIMUM of 24 hours in advance of the meeting. Any other proposals for new business can be sent to the Secretary, including the rationale for the proposal, prior to NISCA meeting number 3 to be added to the agenda under new business.