Hall of Fame
Maxson’s passion for the sport of swimming carried well beyond his years on the Hilltop, where he specialized in the backstroke and individual medley as a four-year letterman for the Rams. He then coached Cornell’s women’s swim club for two seasons.
Following a successful 10-year coaching stint, Maxson ascended to leadership roles at the highest levels in the sport, including Chairman/CEO of USA Swimming and the United States Sports Insurance Corporation (USSIC) from 1990-94. In November 2022, Maxson was presented with the Impact Award at the USA Swimming Golden Goggle Awards for lifetime service.
Maxson served four decades on the Board of Directors for USA Swimming (1985-2018), where he chaired the finance, marketing and diversity committees. He held roles with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee as Board of Directors (1992-95), Membership Services Committee (1992-2000) and Membership Committee (2000-04).
Maxson was Chairman/CEO (2010-18) and on the Board of Directors (2010-22) for the United States Swimming Foundation. He is also a member of the St. Louis Sports Commission.
During his early coaching days, Maxson mentored one member from his Sheridan Swim Club in Quincy, Ill., who competed at the 1976 Olympics.
