NORFOLK, Va. — 

Senior skipper Colman Schofield (Yorktown, Va.) has been honored with the ICSA's Robert H. Hobbs Sportsmanship Award as part of the association's annual Hall of Fame Individual Awards for this season, effectively recognizing Schofield as the association's Sportsman of the Year.

The award honors Robert H. Hobbs, a man who filled many important roles in the realm of American sailing throughout his life. He was the Executive Vice President of the ICSA, President of U.S. Sailing, and the Chair of the U.S. Sailing Olympic Committee.

The Hobbs Trophy is given to the sailor that best exemplifies the Corinthian ideals of sailing. This sailor has made contributions to collegiate sailing through their efforts in competing; promoting the sport; fostering sportsmanship among teams; and maintaining a high quality of competition.

Nominees for the award are submitted by fellow sailors and coaches. Schofield was recognized for his outstanding contributions both on and off the water. His composure, sportsmanship, and unwavering support for his fellow sailors have led to him gaining a reputation as a model teammate and opponent throughout the circuit.

"I'm incredibly honored to receive the ICSA Sportsmanship Award," says Schofield. "It's a reflection of the values I strive to uphold both on and off the water. Sailing has taught me the importance of integrity, respect, and supporting my fellow competitors, and I'm grateful to be recognized by a community I deeply admire."

Head coach David Thompson has no shortage of praise for Schofield's leadership and conduct: "I'm not surprised Colman was awarded the Sportsmanship Award. He holds himself to the highest standard in competition and has earned the respect of his competitors. As a coach, I've seen firsthand how his competitors respect him even in the most competitive environments."

A nomination submitted by a fellow sailor also captured Schofield's impact: "No matter if he wins or loses, Colman always goes out of his way to make sure people are enjoying their time sailing. He's one of the most genuine and helpful people on the college sailing circuit."

With the honor, Schofield joins a distinguished list of sailors who have helped shape and inspire the collegiate sailing landscape which includes former teammate Dan Unangst (Class of '24), who received the award last year. Colman's dedication to the sport and his peers serves as a powerful reminder of what it means to compete with character.

Along with receiving the Hobbs Trophy, Schofield was also selected as an All-America Honorable Mention at Open Skipper, makes him a two-time selection in that regard after he earned the distinction in 2023. The selection reflects another season of consistently high performance across a range of competitive events for Schofield, with some of his notable results including:

• 10th place in A Division at the ICSA Open Western Semifinal
• 13th overall at the ICSA Open Team Race National Championship
• 5th place in A Division at the NEISA Open Fleet Race Championship
• 5th overall at the Thompson Trophy
• 3rd overall at the ICSA Match Race National Championship
• 4th overall at the NEISA Match Race Championship
• 2nd overall at the Danmark Trophy

The All-America Selection Committee is composed of representatives from each of the seven ICSA conferences, with additional representatives from both MAISA and NEISA, the latter of which the Coast Guard sailing team competes in. Selections are based on performance throughout the season, leadership, and the ability to compete at the highest level of collegiate sailing.

Schofield's recognition as an All-America Honorable Mention highlights his significant contributions to his team and his status as one of the top skippers in collegiate sailing. The selection caps the career of one of the most decorated sailors to go through the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

Schofield was an All-America Coed Skipper and finalist for the ICSA Sailor of the Year award last year. At the conference level, he won the prestigious NEISA Senior Trophy this past season while earning his second straight All-NEISA First Team nod at Open Skipper; Schofield was also an All-NEISA Second Team Open Skipper in 2023.