Steve Burciaga, Grand Valley State University’s head diving coach for the men’s and women’s teams, was named December’s Diving Coach of the Month by the Professional Diving Coaches Association (PDCA). Entering his 12th year as head coach at the University, this honor marks Burciaga’s first Diving Coach of the Month title by PDCA.
PDCA is a non-profit organization which was founded in 1983. The organization supports competitive diving coaches nationwide by helping to improve coaching skills, assist developing athletes and expand the accessibility and recognition of the sport. To be recognized as a nominee, a coach is assessed on a combination of factors, such as their athletes’ performances, coaching skills, impact on their team’s culture and nominations from peers within the diving community. To deliberate, a committee within PDCA reviews coach nominations.
“I was in disbelief for a moment, and then felt honored to be selected,” said Burciaga. “There are so many great diving coaches with successful programs, whether it’s USA, AAU or NCAA. I feel we (the teams) have done very well in my 12 years at GVSU.”
Although this was Burciaga’s first honor by PDCA, he is no stranger to receiving personal awards. Burciaga has been named Diving Coach of the Year three times by the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA). He received the 2021 Women’s Diving Coach-of-the-Year award and the Men’s Diving Coach-of-the-Year title in both 2016 and 2017.
Prior to his time at GVSU, Burciaga was named the Michigan Boys Division 3 Diving Coach of the Year in both 2010 and 2011 at Grand Rapids West Catholic High School. Recalling his first day at GVSU, Burciaga expressed uncertainty about the position. However, he noted that after speaking with Tim Selgo, the University’s past athletic director, he knew he belonged and felt confident about his coaching ability.
“I was not sure how successful our program would be, but I knew how to coach and motivate divers, whether it was high school, AAU or USA diving programs,” Burciaga said. “I feel, my personal success will be measured on how successful our swim and dive teams perform at meets.”
GVSU’s swim and dive program has been honored with seven NCAA Diving Championships, two CSCAA Divers-of-the-Year, over 100 All-American Awards and numerous Conference Diving Championships. Burciaga established record-setting scores at GVSU, and transformed the University’s diving stature. The team’s successes have been partially attributed to Burciaga’s coaching techniques, which create personal connections with every student-athlete.
“I like to get our divers out of their comfort zone and push them a little,” said Burciaga. “With each little successful push, it creates trust and confidence, which I believe is a key to success. This leads to what our program focuses on, competing versus participating.”
The current 2024-2025 season reflects Burciaga’s coaching philosophy, as the diving teams have secured multiple first-place finishes across six competitive meets. The Lakers competed in Fort Pierce, Florida on Dec. 20, and finished the women’s 1-m and 3-m dives with two divers in the top five. Additionally, in the men’s 1-m and 3-m dives, GVSU finished with two divers in the top five.
According to Burciaga, competing at a high level and creating a transparent community leads to success.
“I cherish my time with each and every diver who walks on deck and practices each day,” Burciaga said. “Yes, there are championships, awards and records, but every diver is important to me. I feel a successful program is one where we all can share in our success.”
Burciaga expressed that his loyalty to the University is based, in part, on GVSU’s support of its student-athletes.
“GVSU provides exceptional support for them (student-athletes) to succeed in the classroom and in the pool, court or field,” said Burciaga. “This foundation for our student-athletes makes it easier for coaches to focus on coaching them in their sport. I feel this is a big part of deciding (to) return each season.”
