Jen Downing

The NELMSC 2026 Distinguished Service Award Recipient is Jen Downing.

Jen currently serves as Secretary of the New England LMSC Board of Directors, a role she has held since 2024 after serving five years as the LMSC Open Water Sanctions Coordinator. As Open Water Sanctions Coordinator, Jen played an equally important role in promoting safe, successful open water swimming throughout New England. For more than fifteen years, she has volunteered and served on the planning committees for both Swim Across America Boston and Swim Across America Rhode Island.    

For nearly twenty years, Jennifer Downing has strengthened Masters Swimming through thoughtful leadership, tireless volunteerism, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.

The NELMSC is grateful for Jen Downing’s decades of impact that can be seen in the success of our events, the strength of our organizations, the timeliness of communication, and the countless impact on swimmers whose experiences have been enriched by her dedication.

Shannon Linsey

The NELMSC 2026 Contributor of the Year Recipient is Shannon Linsey. 

Shannon has dramatically improved one of the most important services we provide our members: keeping them informed, engaged, and connected to one another. Shannon has strengthened our organization, elevated our communications, and helped foster a greater sense of belonging throughout New England Masters.  

Elaine Howley

The NELMSC 2026 Lifesaver Recognition Award Recipient is Elaine Howley.

On July 13, Ben Bryant decided to take on the “In Search for Memphre” swim, a 25-mile International swim between Vermont and Quebec. Ben gathered a top-tier crew to assist his efforts, including Elaine Howley. With 4-5 miles to go, Elaine became a ‘buddy swimmer’ for Ben and soon identified that he was struggling.  When Ben momentarily lost consciousness, Elaine instinctively acted to get him to safety.  She grabbed Ben, swam him to the boat ladder, and pushed him on board with assistance from a fellow boat crew member.  After EMT and hospital care, Ben has made a full recovery.  Thanks to Elaine’s actions and the support of Ben’s complete crew.  

Chris Carpino

One 2026 NELMSC Appreciation Award Recipient is Chris Carpino.

Since taking over as the coach of the Kingsbury Club Masters swim team in 2016, Chris’s ability to create an environment that is welcoming, motivating, and inclusive for swimmers of all levels is, in part, what has created such a profound impact.  What was once a small group, of fewer than ten swimmers, has grown into a vibrant and engaged team of more than fifty active members. Chris leads by example and actively participates in meets alongside the team which reinforces a culture of commitment and camaraderie. 

Stacy Sweetser

The NELMSC 2026 Recipient for Coach of the Year is Stacy Sweetser. 

Stacy exemplifies the mission and spirit of Masters Swimming through her exceptional coaching, athlete development, community leadership, and commitment to making swimming accessible and enjoyable for adults of all abilities. While her credentials and athletic accomplishments are impressive, her greatest contribution to Masters Swimming is the thriving community she has built and the countless swimmers she has encouraged, supported, and inspired.