Mike Unger receives 2026 CSCAA Ben Franklin Award
January 12, 2026 | Men's Swimming & Diving
Former Badger student-athlete and assistant coach receives one of the association’s highest honors
MADISON, Wis. — Former Wisconsin student-athlete and assistant coach Mike Unger has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 CSCAA Ben Franklin Award, the association announced Tuesday afternoon.
Unger spent all four years of his collegiate career as a member of the Wisconsin swim and dive team before graduating in 1987. He later spent three seasons as an assistant coach for the Badgers, from 1989 to 1992.
After his time with the Badgers, Unger spent more than 28 years on staff with USA Swimming in various leadership roles. He has served most recently as the organization's Chief Operating Officer following his roles as Assistant Executive Director, National Events Director, Marketing Director and National Team Coordinator.
Now, Unger serves as a Senior Advisor with World Aquatics, where he continues to support and elevate the sport on a global scale.
In addition to these roles, Unger has played a key role behind the scenes, working closely to support swimming's television and broadcast presence. Since 1996, Unger has contributed to multiple Olympic Games broadcasts in his production work with NBC Sports.
The annual Ben Franklin Award recognizes notable individuals or organizations who amplify and uphold the integrity of the student-athlete experience. Nominees' contributions may be technical, social, economic or through continuous leadership that support intercollegiate aquatics for at least twenty years.
