Mark Bernardino Voted 2026 National Collegiate and Scholastic Trophy Winner
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 2026 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 4 in Chicago, Illinois. He was voted for the award by CSCAA member coaches, ahead of fellow finalists Dave Parrington and Wally Morton.
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.
National Collegiate and Scholastic Trophy 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
— The above press release was posted by Swimming World in conjunction with CSCAA. For press releases and advertising inquiries please contact Advertising@SwimmingWorld.com.