Noah Millard of the Yale men’s swimming and diving team was named the recipient of the 2026 William Neely Mallory Award, according to a May 17 announcement. The award is considered the highest athletic honor for a senior male at Yale and was presented during Class Day, an annual tradition at Yale College.
The Mallory Award recognizes a senior who best represents American sportsmanship and upholds Yale traditions both in athletics and daily life. Millard’s selection highlights his achievements in collegiate swimming as well as his contributions to campus culture.
Millard is a four-time All-American who holds three Ivy League records and six Yale records. He competed in the NCAA Championships for three years, with performances ranking him among the fastest swimmers nationally: tenth all-time in the 500 freestyle, seventeenth all-time in the 1000 freestyle, and twenty-fourth all-time in the 1650 freestyle. His leadership contributed to recent team successes, including a twentieth-place finish at the NCAA Championships in 2025 and a runner-up finish at this year’s Ivy League Championships—the program’s best since winning it in 1972.
Millard won six individual Ivy League titles and participated on two relay championship teams, earning first team All-Ivy honors eight times. He also earned eleven second team All-Ivy honors across individual and relay events. In addition to his competitive accolades, he received multiple high point swimmer awards throughout his career.
“Beyond his individual accolades, Noah has played a crucial role in fostering a championship mindset within the team,” said Jim Henry, Yale’s Robert J.H. Kiphuth Coach of Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving. “His unwavering positivity, work ethic, and daily commitment have inspired his teammates and created a culture of excellence. Noah Millard is not just an outstanding athlete; he is a transformative leader who embodies the spirit of Yale Athletics. His contributions will resonate for years to come.”
Off campus, Millard has volunteered through United Way initiatives such as neighborhood gardening projects, meal preparation for families facing hardship, and service at soup kitchens. Through Yale’s Swim New Haven Program he provided free swim lessons each semester to children from greater New Haven—an effort aimed at promoting water safety skills among local youth.
Originally from Melbourne, Australia—and currently majoring in economics—Millard is also part of Australia’s National Team.
