Kiernan McCauley: Feb 2026 Triple-Impact Competitor® of the Month
Celebrating Character, Leadership, and Excellence in Competitive Aquatics
At the YMCA, competitive success is about more than times, scores, and podium finishes. It’s about who our athletes become through sport. That’s why we’re proud to launch a new monthly recognition for our competitive aquatics programs: the Triple-Impact Competitor® of the Month. Each month, a different competitive aquatic team will select its own Triple-Impact Competitor®, allowing every team to recognize four athletes each year who exemplify character, leadership, and excellence in and out of the water.
This recognition celebrates athletes who make a positive difference in three powerful ways—by improving themselves, lifting up their teammates, and honoring the game they love.
Triple-Impact Competitor® of the Month: Kiernan McCauley
This month, we are proud to recognize Kiernan McCauley as our Triple-Impact Competitor® of the Month.
Kiernan has not missed a single practice all season, a testament to her commitment and discipline. She arrives each day with a positive attitude and strong work ethic, bringing energy that is contagious to those around her. Her consistency sets a powerful example for her teammates and reflects her dedication to continuous improvement.
Beyond her own performance, Kiernan consistently looks for ways to support the team. She volunteers to assist with drills, steps in to help coaches when needed, and mentors younger players with enthusiasm and maturity. She understands that being part of a team means contributing to something bigger than herself.
Kiernan takes pride not only in her own growth, but in lifting up those around her. Through her effort, leadership, and sportsmanship, she embodies the spirit of the Triple-Impact Competitor® and the values our competitive aquatics programs strive to uphold.
What Is a Triple-Impact Competitor®?
The Triple-Impact Competitor® model, developed by the Positive Coaching Alliance, focuses on helping athletes grow not only as competitors, but as people. It emphasizes that success in sports should be measured by effort, character, and the positive influence an athlete has on others—not just by results.
A Triple-Impact Competitor® makes an impact on themselves by committing to continuous improvement. These athletes embrace feedback, give full effort in practices and competitions, and work to strengthen their mental game through resilience, goal-setting, and healthy habits that support performance in and out of the pool.
They also make an impact on their teammates by leading with empathy and encouragement. Triple-Impact Competitors look for ways to help others improve, communicate constructively, and contribute to a positive team culture where everyone feels supported and motivated.
Finally, Triple-Impact Competitors make an impact on the game itself. They honor the game by respecting the rules, opponents, officials, teammates, and themselves, and by using their role as athletes to model sportsmanship and positively influence their team and broader community.
Being a Triple-Impact Competitor® takes discipline and integrity, especially under pressure—but the lessons learned through this mindset extend far beyond competition and help shape confident, respectful, and resilient leaders for life.
More Than an Award
The Triple-Impact Competitor® of the Month recognition is about celebrating athletes who reflect the YMCA’s mission through their actions, who lead with integrity, and make a lasting impact on their teams and communities.
Congratulations, Kiernan! Thank you for setting the standard and showing what it truly means to be a Triple-Impact Competitor®.