Legendary Wolfpack Associate Head Coach Mark Bernardino Announces His Retirement
5/9/2025 8:00:00 PM | Swimming
One of Bernadino's defining characteristics as a coach is his personal investment in his swimmers' success. Known for his approachable nature, building strong relationships with his athletes, and offering guidance both in and out of the pool. His ability to connect on a personal level makes him a beloved figure in the NC State swimming community.
Mark Bernardino's retirement marks the end of an era in collegiate swimming. His legacy is defined not only by championships and accolades but also by the countless athletes he mentored and the indelible impact he has had on the sport. As he steps away from coaching, Bernardino leaves behind a legacy of excellence, dedication, and a profound influence on the world of swimming.
Hall of Fame Wolfpack assistant coach Mark Bernardino has announced his retirement from coaching, bringing to a close one of the most storied coaching careers in collegiate swimming history.Â
Serving as NC State's associate head coach since 2018, Bernardino leaves behind a legacy defined by championship titles, elite athlete development, and national recognition.
"Mark didn't just coach teams or individuals, he shaped lives," said NC State head coach Braden Holloway. His guidance, passion and integrity have left a lasting mark. To be able to coach alongside a mentor for these years has been a remarkable journey.Â
"I am grateful for Mark spending the last portion of his career wearing the Red & White. Coaches like Mark don't retire- they live on in the hearts of every athlete or coach they have inspired."
Since joining NC State in 2018, Bernardino has played a pivotal role to help Holloway elevate the Wolfpack's distance swimming program, achieving remarkable success at both the ACC and NCAA level. In 2019 Bernadino helped lead the NC State women's team to a clean sweep of the top four finishes in the 400-yard IM at the ACC Championships. Under his guidance, the Wolfpack men's team dominated the 500- yard freestyle at the 2022 ACC Championships, sweeping the top four spots. Bernadino shepherded Will Gallant and Ross Dant to first and second place finishes in the 2023 NCAA meet in the 1650-yard freestyle. Most recently, he coached Owen Lloyd to the 2025 ACC Championship in the 1650 yard freestyle and a fifth-place finish in the NCAA Championship.
"Few people have been as blessed and fortunate as I have to have pursued their life's passion and joy for as long as I have." Said Bernardino, With the blessing and support of Terry (his wife) and our children, I have been a member of the coaching fraternity for 48 years.Â
"These past seven years as a member of Coach Braden Holloway's staff and team at NC State will be memories I cherish forever. Working with Braden, a legendary coach and the best coach in ACC history, has allowed me the opportunity to grow both as a coach and a leader and be positively influenced as a coach and person. No one should ever stop learning and progressing, and these last seven years at NC State provided an exclamation point to my career. I am thankful and love every athlete whom I have coached, for they have been my great teachers. I thank and love the coaches who have stood by my side and shared this journey with me. I look forward to the continued growth of the sport of swimming, and I hope for the betterment of years to come."
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Prior to his time at NC State, Bernardino served as the head coach at the University of Virginia from 1978 to 2013. Under his leadership, Virginia secured 27 ACC championships, the most in ACC swimming and diving history. His tenure also saw the Cavaliers achieve eight top-10 finishes at the NCAA Championships. In 2013, Bernardino retired from Virginia with 521 career victories, ranking him fifth all-time in NCAA swimming history. Following his time at Virginia, Bernardino served as Associate Head Coach at the University of South Carolina from 2014 to 2018.
Throughout his career, Bernardino received numerous accolades, including: 31 ACC Swimming Coach of the Year awards (most in league history), induction into the American Swim Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2023, as well as induction into the International Swim Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2018.
Bernidino's coaching prowess extended beyond collegiate swimming, as he mentored numerous athletes who went on to represent their countries in the Olympics. His ability to identify and develop world-class talent has been a testament to his skill and dedication. Serving as the head coach for the USA World University Games team in 2001 and 2009, Bernadino led the team to 17 medals, including seven golds. Additionally, he was an assistant coach for the USA Pan American Games teams in 2011 and 2023.