Story Links
CHARLOTESVILLE, Va. Virginia head swimming coach Mark Bernardino has been named the head men’s coach for the 2009 World University Games, USA Swimming has announced. The event will be held July 5-11 in Belgrade, Serbia.
“I am honored by my selection to the USA 2009 World University Games staff and look forward to working with many of the finest swimmers in the world as they represent the USA at this prestigious event,” Bernardino said. “If history is an accurate indicator, several of our 2012 Olympic swimming athletes will emerge from this squad and their performances will be enhanced and refined by this high level international experience. It will be the goal of the entire swim staff to make this a positive and rewarding experience for the athletes and to bring home as many medals as possible.”
Bernardino, now in his 31st season at the helm of the Cavalier swimming programs, has led Virginia to 17 Atlantic Coast Conference titles.
Bernardino’s previous international experience includes a 2001 stint as head coach of the World University Games team where he led Team USA to a competition-best 17 medals, including seven gold. In 2000, he served as an assistant on the men’s junior national team and in 1996, he was an advisory coach for the U.S. Olympic Team.
“The coaches who work with our young athletes at the World University Games play an integral role in the development of USA Swimming’s most outstanding young talent,” said Mark Schubert, USA Swimming’s National Team head coach and general manager. “By putting experienced and successful coaches in key roles with our young teams, we are providing the athletes with the best possible foundation for their continued international success.”
Second-year Scot Robison will join Bernardino in Serbia as a member of the 2009 World University Games team.