North Carolina State University Athletics
Mark Bernardino Awarded CSCAA National Collegiate & Scholastic Trophy
1/12/2026 12:00:00 PM | Swimming
RICHMOND, Va. - The Collegiate Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) announced Monday that former NC State Associate Head Coach Mark Bernardino has been selected as the recipient of the National Collegiate and Scholastic Trophy, the highest honor bestowed by his fellow coaches.
This award, voted on by the CSCAA's membership. Recognizes a coach who has made the greatest contribution to swimming and diving as a competitive sport in the province of undergraduate and scholastic education.
Mark is one of two Wolfpack coaches honored for their contributions to the sport of swimming. Don Easterling also received this distinction in 1994 as head coach of the Wolfpack.
Bernardino announced his retirement from coaching swimming at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 season. Bernardino's extraordinary career spans nearly five decades and represents an unmatched legacy of coaching excellence, leadership, and influence at the highest level of the sport. He led highly successful programs at the University of Virginia, the University of South Carolina, and NC State, shaping generations of student 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" said 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 career, Bernardino has earned numerous accolades, including being named ACC Swimming Coach of the Year a record 31 times. During his 35-year tenure at the University of Virginia, he guided the Cavaliers to 27 ACC Championships and multiple NCAA top-10 national finishes, establishing one of the nation's most consistently elite programs. His influence also extended internationally through his key roles with USA Swimming, including serving as head coach at the World University Games and as an assistant coach for the 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. These accomplishments 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 will be formally recognized on May 4, 2026 at the CSCAA Annual Awards in Chicago, Illinois.
This award, voted on by the CSCAA's membership. Recognizes a coach who has made the greatest contribution to swimming and diving as a competitive sport in the province of undergraduate and scholastic education.
Mark is one of two Wolfpack coaches honored for their contributions to the sport of swimming. Don Easterling also received this distinction in 1994 as head coach of the Wolfpack.
Bernardino announced his retirement from coaching swimming at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 season. Bernardino's extraordinary career spans nearly five decades and represents an unmatched legacy of coaching excellence, leadership, and influence at the highest level of the sport. He led highly successful programs at the University of Virginia, the University of South Carolina, and NC State, shaping generations of student 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" said 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 career, Bernardino has earned numerous accolades, including being named ACC Swimming Coach of the Year a record 31 times. During his 35-year tenure at the University of Virginia, he guided the Cavaliers to 27 ACC Championships and multiple NCAA top-10 national finishes, establishing one of the nation's most consistently elite programs. His influence also extended internationally through his key roles with USA Swimming, including serving as head coach at the World University Games and as an assistant coach for the 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. These accomplishments 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 will be formally recognized on May 4, 2026 at the CSCAA Annual Awards in Chicago, Illinois.
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