{"id":632765,"date":"2026-01-12T12:56:19","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T19:56:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/?p=632765"},"modified":"2026-01-12T12:56:19","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T19:56:19","slug":"mark-bernardino-voted-2026-national-collegiate-and-scholastic-trophy-winner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.swimmingworldmagazine.com\/news\/mark-bernardino-voted-2026-national-collegiate-and-scholastic-trophy-winner\/","title":{"rendered":"Mark Bernardino Voted 2026 National Collegiate and Scholastic Trophy Winner"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mark Bernardino Voted 2026 National Collegiate and Scholastic Trophy Winner<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mark Bernardino,<\/strong> 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<\/a> the 2026 National Collegiate and Scholastic Trophy.<\/p>\n

Bernardino, who served as the CSCAA President from 2010-2012, was voted on by the CSCAA\u2019s membership for this recognition. As the CSCAA\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> Dave Parrington<\/strong> and Wally Morton<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Bernardino\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cMark Bernardino embodies the very essence of what this award stands for\u2014quiet excellence, selfless leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the sport of swimming,\u201d said Executive Director Samantha Barany.<\/strong> \u201cKnown 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Bernardino\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

National Collegiate and Scholastic Trophy Recipients<\/h4>\n