Seattle University head swimming coach Craig Mallery has been recognized by The American Swimming Coaches Association as a Coach of Excellence for 2008. Mallery received the award based on the performance of his athletes at the Division II NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships. The award is given out annually and is bestowed upon a caoch for having a swimmer reach the finals of either a collegiate championships or USA Swimming national-level meet.
"The award is really a statement about the collaboration of efforts between the student-athletes, their academic life, and the athletic administration, to name just a few," said Mallery. "Ultimately, if coaches are are creating and sustaining an enriching environment where student-athletes have the opportunity to thrive in the myriad of collegiate opportunities, then credit really belongs to the student-athletes. They're the ones making the choices to thrive, do the hard work, and challenge themselves to go to new levels. Coaching awards are really team awards." Mallery said.
Mallery coached four student-athletes that qualifed for the "A" finals in multiple events at the 2008 NCAA Division II National Champioships. Jakub Jiracek earned a national championship in the 200 meter backstroke on the final night of the meet. Mallery also coached Chris Coley to a national championship in the 100 meter butterfly in 2006, and his 2002 men's team were crowned NAIA national champions.