Our First Triple-Impact Competitor® of the Month: Matthew Bergner

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.

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.

Triple-Impact Competitor® of the Month: Matthew Bergner

This month’s recognition goes to Matthew Bergner, a member of the Marlins Swim Team, who exemplifies what it means to be a Triple-Impact Competitor®.

Matthew consistently brings an exceptional work ethic to every practice, giving his full effort and seeking out new challenges, even when they push him outside his comfort zone. He is highly coachable, not only listening to feedback but actively asking for it and applying it as he works to continuously improve.

Matthew also leads by example. He shows up early, prepared, and ready to work throughout the entire season, setting a standard for consistency and accountability within the program. His positive attitude and energy are felt by those around him, especially during difficult practices and high-pressure meets, where he makes a point to encourage and support his teammates. Through his leadership and commitment, Matthew strives to make everyone around him better.

His diligence, preparation, and mindset have led to impressive competitive success, including earning multiple Connecticut Age Group Championships. More importantly, Matthew embodies the values and culture the Marlins Swim Team aims to represent, proving that true success in sport is about effort, character, and the positive impact an athlete has on others.

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, Matthew! Thank you for setting the standard and showing what it truly means to be a Triple-Impact Competitor®.