NEW ROCHELLE, NY – Iona University men's and women's swimming & diving head coach Nick Cavataro announced the promotion of Mauro Pacsi to associate head coach for the Gaels' programs.
 
Pacsi enters his fourth season on the coaching staff after serving as an assistant coach for the past three seasons. An Iona alumnus, he first joined the coaching staff as a volunteer student assistant in 2022-23 following his undergraduate career with the Gaels.
 
"Since his arrival on campus in September 2018, Mauro has been an integral component of Iona Swimming & Diving," said Cavataro. "His passion for Iona and our team is unparalleled. Whether it was as a student-athlete, where he always wanted to improve and compete at the highest level, or now on the pool deck where he combines enthusiasm with knowledge, he represents everything our program stands for.
 
"Our program motto, M1NDSET, was ignited by Mauro and embodies our daily approach. Using an old basketball term, he's the pool's version of a 'gym rat.' He can't get enough of the sport. He's constantly reading, watching, learning and finding new ways to innovate, all while bringing a tireless work ethic every day. I'm excited to see this next chapter continue."
 
Since earning his promotion to full-time assistant coach prior to 2023-24, Pacsi has directed the program's sprint and stroke training groups while overseeing team dryland workouts and assisting with recruiting and team media.
 
During his tenure as a full-time assistant, the Gaels captured 11 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference individual event championships, nine relay conference titles, produced seven conference record holders, two MAAC Most Outstanding Swimmer Award winners and two National Invitational Championship event champions. Pacsi also helped guide the men's program to consecutive ECAC Championships in 2024 and 2025. Under the leadership of Cavataro and Pacsi, Iona student-athletes established more than 41 individual school records and 14 relay records.
 
Pacsi began his collegiate coaching career during the 2022-23 season while pursuing his graduate degree at Iona. As a student assistant coach, he coordinated team dryland workouts and assisted with daily practices and meet operations before earning his full-time appointment.
 
As a student-athlete from 2018-22, Pacsi earned MAAC All-Academic Team honors, qualified for the National Invitational Championship and contributed to Iona's 2021 MAAC Invitational Championship team. He also ranks among the program's top performers in the 100-yard breaststroke.
 
Pacsi earned two degrees from Iona, receiving bachelor's degrees in English and political science before completing a master's degree in sports communication and media.