Dordt’s Mason Youngblood recognized among ASCA’s 30 Under 30

Mason Youngblood, Dordt University’s head swimming coach, has been named one of the American Swimming Coaches Association’s (ASCA) 2026 “30 Under 30” Award recipients. The award recognizes exceptional young coaches who represent the future of the swimming profession.

Youngblood started at Dordt in 2024 to lead the university’s inaugural swimming program. Prior to joining Dordt, he served as the head swimming coach at Silsbee High School in Silsbee, Texas, while also completing his fourth season at Edwards-Johnson Memorial Silsbee Middle School.

A former collegiate swimmer himself, Youngblood competed for four years at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas. He graduated in 2020 with a double major in kinesiology: leisure recreation and sports administration and education, providing a foundation for his career in coaching and athlete development.

As a 2026 “30 Under 30” recipient, Youngblood is recognized among a group of promising young coaches selected for their contributions to the sport and their potential to shape the future of swimming. Award recipients receive a full registration grant to attend the 2026 ASCA World Clinic Presented by Fitter & Fitter in Orlando, an annual event for swimming coaching education and professional development.

This recognition also highlights Youngblood’s strength as a coach and his role in building Dordt’s swimming program from the ground up. “Coach Youngblood has worked tirelessly in building a program from scratch,” says Mike Byker, director of athletics communications at Dordt. “The athletes he coaches have improved each season, and the rosters continue to grow.”

Ultimately, Youngblood’s recognition reflects a fuller vision of athletics at Dordt, rooted in the Defender Way—Dordt’s commitments and approach to competitive athletics.

“It's relatively easy to measure success in competition but Mason, along with the rest of our coaching staff, recognize the importance of developing servant-leaders who develop academically to their fullest while at Dordt, while using athletics to spread the gospel,” adds Byker. “These pursuits are not independent but are woven together and when done well offers and college athletic experience that is very unique.”

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, alumni, and the broader community to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.

Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt offers undergraduate and graduate programs that help students live their faith in every area of life. Through rigorous learning, meaningful relationships, and whole-person formation, students gain the practical wisdom to serve God and neighbor through their work and in their communities. Dordt has been named among the nation's leading Christian universities by U.S. News & World Report, Niche, and other national publications.