Head Coach Barry Parenteau enters his 31st season as head coach of the Holy Cross women's team and fourth as the men's coach after taking over the program following the retirement of his father, Paul, who guided the Crusader men for more than 30 years.

Parenteau, who has been with the women's team since its inception in 1975, assumed a full-time role at Holy Cross in 1983 when he was named Aquatics Director of the newly built swimming and diving facility at the Hart Recreation Center. The only coach the women's program has ever known, Parenteau also served as an assistant coach with the men since his arrival at Holy Cross.

Parenteau began swimming competitively for the YMCA in Worcester as a youth. After graduating from St. John's High School in Shrewsbury, Mass., he continued his competitive swimming career at Bridgewater State College where he held school records in 50-, 100-, 200-yard freestyle events.

The highly respected Parenteau was honored as Coach of the Year in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference after the 1984-85, 1987-88, and 1989-90 campaigns. In 1986-87, the Holy Cross women had their finest season ever, finishing with a 9-1 dual meet slate and a sixth place finish at the New England Championships. Last season, the Crusader women were 8-3 overall placing fifth at the Patriot League Championships at Navy. Parenteau is now 114-109 for his career. The Crusader Swimming & Diving programs began competition within the Patriot League during the 1990-91 academic year.

Parenteau has produced numerous standout performers in his tenure at Holy Cross. Callie Taffe '81, the fomer school record holder in the 50-yard breaststroke, earned AIAW All-America honors in 1981. Taffe, Marie Kenny '85 and Mary McNaughton '87 have all been inducted into the Holy Cross Varsity Club Hall of Fame. School record holders Jill Addesa '92 and Coleen Lynch '95 captured Swimmer of the Year honors at the Patriot League Championships.

Parenteau has his American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) Level III certification, in addition to being certified in lifeguard training and water safety, and standard first aid and adult CPR. He is a 36-year volunteer with the American Red Cross and is a nationally-certified pool and spa director. Parenteau is also a member of the Central Massachusetts Conference of Football Officials, refereeing both high school and college football games in the ECAC. A popular and long-time member of the College's athletic association, Parenteau makes his home in nearby Millbury with his wife Dale and their three daughters, Laine, Kaley, and Malen.