WORCESTER, Mass. – For the past 43 years, Barry Parenteau has led the Holy Cross swimming and diving teams with a smile that can be recognized by anyone on campus. His upbeat personality has guided the success of the women’s team since the program’s inception in 1975 and the men’s team since the retirement of his father, Paul, in 1996. Parenteau’s 241 combined victories with the men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs are ranked eighth among all coaches in Holy Cross history.
Parenteau will officially retire on June 1, 2018.
“It has been an honor, a privilege and a pleasure to coach some of the finest student-athletes in all of college athletics,” Parenteau said. “To be able to coach a sport that I love and to do it alongside my dad for so many years, has been the most rewarding career anyone could ask for.”
Parenteau has seen tremendous success as a head coach with numerous student-athletes named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll, two swimmers named Patriot League Swimmer of the Meet (Jill Addesa and Coleen Lynch), two divers named Diver of the Meet (Kim Rinaldi and Casey Sherman) and two student-athletes named Scholar-Athlete of the Year (Addesa and Lynch).
“We made a difference in the pool, and the athletes have made differences in the world,” Parenteau said. “To be a part of my student-athletes’ legacies is the best gift for any coach.”
Parenteau has coached many standout student-athletes during his tenure and over the last few years has guided current diver Casey Sherman (Class of 2019) to become the third Crusader to qualify for the NCAA Zone A Diving meet. The junior has qualified every year she has competed and currently holds the school records in the one-meter (290.15) and three-meter diving events (321.90). On the men’s side, Steve Tierney (Class of 2019) has grabbed headlines under Parenteau’s tutelage breaking three individual school records during the 2017-2018 season.
“My congratulations to Barry on an incredible coaching career,” said Director of Athletics Nathan Pine. “Over the last 43 years, Barry has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of young men and women, guiding their development not just as strong swimmers and divers, but as talented, dedicated and successful citizens of the world. We are grateful to Barry for all he has contributed to our swimming and diving programs and to our department as a whole. He will be greatly missed on Mount St. James, but his legacy will live on throughout our halls. We wish him all the best as he begins this next chapter.”
Parenteau swam collegiately at Bridgewater State College, where he held school records in the 50-, 100- and 200-yard freestyle events. He earned an American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) Level III certification and is certified in lifeguard training, standard first aid and adult CPR. Additionally, he is a 38-year volunteer with the American Red Cross.
“Thanks to everyone at Holy Cross – the student-athletes, the athletic department, the alumni, former presidents and athletic directors – who had faith in me,” Parenteau said.
A retirement gathering will be held before Parenteau’s official retirement date. Holy Cross will commence a national search for its next head coach.
Press release courtesy of Holy Cross Athletics.
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