Mark Bernardino Awarded CSCAA National Collegiate & Scholastic Trophy

RICHMOND, Va. –  The Collegiate Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) introduced Monday that former NC State Associate Head Coach Mark Bernardino has been chosen because the recipient of the National Collegiate and Scholastic Trophy, the very best honor bestowed by his fellow coaches. 

This award, voted on by the CSCAA’s membership. Recognizes a coach who has made the best contribution to swimming and diving as a aggressive sport within the province of undergraduate and scholastic schooling. 

Mark is one in every of two Wolfpack coaches honored for his or her contributions to the game of swimming. Don Easterling additionally acquired this distinction in 1994 as head coach of the Wolfpack. 

Bernardino introduced his retirement from teaching swimming on the conclusion of the 2024-2025 season. Bernardino’s extraordinary profession spans almost 5 a long time and represents an unmatched legacy of teaching excellence, management, and affect on the highest stage of the game. He led extremely profitable packages on the University of Virginia, the University of South Carolina, and NC State, shaping generations of pupil athletes and contributing to the sustained success of collegiate swimming nationwide. 

“Mark Bernardino embodies everything this award represents – quiet excellence, selfless leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the sport of swimming” mentioned Executive Director Samantha Barany. “Known for his no-nonsense approach and exceptionally high standards, Mark has always prioritized developing people first. His direct and honest coaching style has empowered countless student-athletes to perform at the highest levels, and his influence continues to shape coaches and programs across the sport.”

Throughout his profession, Bernardino has earned quite a few accolades, together with being named ACC Swimming Coach of the Year a document 31 occasions. During his 35-year tenure on the University of Virginia, he guided the Cavaliers to 27 ACC Championships and a number of NCAA top-10 nationwide finishes, establishing one of many nation’s most constantly elite packages. His affect additionally prolonged internationally by his key roles with USA Swimming, together with serving as head coach on the World University Games and as an assistant coach for the Pan American Games groups. 

Over the course of his profession. Bernardino mentored greater than 120 NCAA All-Americans and coached athletes to NCAA championships, NCAA data, and Olympic appearances. These accomplishments have earned him induction into a number of halls of fame, together with the American Swim Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the International Swim Coaches Association Hall of Fame. 

Bernardino will likely be formally acknowledged on May 4, 2026 on the CSCAA Annual Awards in Chicago, Illinois. 

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