January 12, 2026 – Mark Bernardino, former head coach of the University of Virginia swimming and diving teams and associate head coach at North Carolina State University and the University of South Carolina, has been awarded the prestigious National Collegiate and Scholastic Trophy. Bernardino, who served as the CSCAA President from 2010-2012, was voted on by the CSCAA’s membership for this recognition. As the CSCAA’s highest honor, the award honors a coach who has made the greatest contribution to swimming and diving as a competitive sport within undergraduate and scholastic education. Bernardino will be formally recognized at the CSCAA Annual Awards Celebration on May 4th in Chicago, Illinois.
Bernardino’s remarkable career spans nearly five decades and reflects an unparalleled legacy of coaching excellence, leadership, and influence at the highest levels of the sport. He guided successful programs across multiple institutions, including the University of Virginia, University of South Carolina, and North Carolina State University, where his impact has shaped countless student-athletes and contributed to the sustained success of collegiate swimming.
“Mark Bernardino embodies the very essence of what this award stands for—quiet excellence, selfless leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the sport of swimming,” said Executive Director Samantha Barany. “Known for his no-frills approach and exceptionally high standards, Mark has always focused on developing people first. His direct, honest coaching style has helped countless student-athletes grow into competitors capable of performing at the highest levels, and his influence continues to shape coaches and programs across the sport.”
Throughout his distinguished career, Bernardino has been recognized with numerous accolades and achievements, including being named ACC Swimming Coach of the Year 31 times, the most in conference history. During his 35-year tenure at Virginia, he led the Cavaliers to 27 Atlantic Coast Conference championships and multiple NCAA top-10 national finishes, establishing one of the nation’s most consistent programs. His impact extended to the international stage through significant roles with USA Swimming, including serving as head coach at the World University Games and as an assistant coach for Pan American Games teams. Over the course of his career, Bernardino mentored more than 120 NCAA All-Americans and coached athletes to NCAA championships, NCAA records, and Olympic appearances, achievements that have earned him induction into multiple halls of fame, including the American Swim Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the International Swim Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Bernardino’s influence extends far beyond wins and championships. His leadership emphasizes the personal growth of coaches, student-athletes and the advancement of swimming as both a competitive and life-enriching pursuit. His impact is further reflected in the respect of his peers, as coaches and colleagues from across the industry voted for him to receive this award.
CSCAA members can register for the Annual Meetings and Awards Celebration at here. All registrations include a ticket to the Awards Ceremony at Joe’s Live. Questions can be directed to: [email protected].
Previous Recipients
2025 – Adam Soldati, Purdue University
2024 – Steve Collins, Southern Methodist University
2023 – Pete Hovland, Oakland University
2022 – Nic Askew, Howard University
2020 – Joel Shinofield, CSCAA/USA Swimming
2019 – Eddie Sinnott, Southern Methodist University
2018 – Peter Linn, Eastern Michigan University
2017 – Susan Teeter, Princeton University & Kris Kubik, University of Texas
2016 – Gregg Wilson, UC-Santa Barbara
2015 – Jon Howell, Emory University
2014 – Tim Welsh, University of Notre Dame
2013 – Matt Kredich, University of Tennessee
2012 – Ron Ballatore, UCLA/University of Florida
2011 – Gregg Parini, Denison University
2010 – Gregg Troy, University of Florida
2009 – Frank Keefe, Yale University, Retired
2008 – Greg Earhart, Collegeswimming.com
2007 – Don Megerle, Tufts University
2006 – Don Gambril, University of Alabama, Retired
2005 – Frank Busch, University of Arizona
2004 – Jon Urbanchek, University of Michigan
2003 – David Marsh, Auburn University
2002 – Teri McKeever, University of California
2001 – Richard Quick, Stanford University
2000 – David Marsh, Auburn University
1999 – Jean Freeman, University of Minnesota
1998 – Jack Bauerle, University of Georgia
1997 – Dr. Samuel J Freas, ISHOF
1996 – Jon Urbanchek, University of Michigan
1995 – Jim Steen, Kenyon College
1994 – Don Easterling, NC State University
1993 – Eddie Reese, University of Texas
1992 – Ernie Maglischo, CSU-Bakersfield
1991 – Nort Thornton, University of California
1990 – Hoble Billingsley, Indiana University
1989 – Phil Hansel, University of Houston
1988 – John Higgins, US Naval Academy
1987 – Richard Kimball, University of Michigan
1986 – Donald Gambril, University Alabama
1985 – Raymond Bussard, University of Tennessee
1984 – Jack Ryan, U.S. Military Academy
1983 – Robert F. Busbey, Cleveland State University
1982 – Richard E. Steadman, Monmouth University
1981 – Charles J. Butt, Bowdoin College
1980 – Gus Stager, University of Michigan
1979 – Philip E. Moriarty, Yale University
1978 – Jack McGuire, Iowa State University
1977 – Peter Daland, University of Southern Cal.
1976 – George F. Haines, UCLA
1975 – James E. Counsilman, Indiana University
1974 – G. Robert Mowerson, University of Minnesota
1973 – Ted Webster, Syracuse University
1972 – Alfred R. Barr, Southern Methodist University
1971 – Charles E. Silvia, Springfield College
1970 – David H. Robertson, New Trier High School
1969 – Robert B. Muir, Williams College
1968 – Soichi Sakamato, University Hawaii
1967 – Karl B. Michael, Dartmouth College
1966 – Charles McCaffree, Michigan State University
1965 – Richard Papenguth, Purdue University
1964 – Harold S. Ulen, Harvard University
1963 – Dave Armbruster, University of Iowa
1962 – Mike Peppe, Ohio State University
1961 – Matt Mann, University of Oklahoma
1960 – Robert J. Kiphuth, Yale University
1959 – Edward T Kennedy, Columbia University
About the CSCAA
Founded in 1922, the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) – the first organization of college coaches in America – is a professional organization of college swimming and diving coaches dedicated to serving and providing leadership for the advancement of the sport of swimming & diving at the collegiate level.
