Steve Paska

During his 30 years at Illinois State, head swimming and diving coach Steve Paska has led his team to success both in the pool and in the classroom.

A 1983 ISU graduate, Paska served as an assistant swim coach for three years prior to taking the head position in 1985.

Under his leadership, Redbird swimmers have established 24-of-24 school records, claimed five Midwest Independent titles, three National Independent Championships and one Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) crown. A dedicated coach to his athletes in the water, Paska is also devoted to helping his swimmers succeed in the classroom.

Illinois State had an outstanding season in 2013-14, both athletically and academically. ISU broke 14 swimming records as well as two diving records. Twelve ISU swimmers and divers were named to the 2013-14 MVC Scholar Athlete Team. In the 2014 spring semester, the Redbirds ranked among the top five Division I programs in terms of grade-point average (GPA). As a team, they accumulated a 3.59 GPA to earn recognition as a 2014 College Swimming Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Spring Scholar All-American Team. Four members of the team earned the MVC President’s Council Academic Award, while 19 earned the Commissioner’s Excellence Award and 30 made the honor roll.

As a former two-time letterman as a Redbird swimmer, Paska has a special passion for the university. His wife, Julie, was an All-American volleyball player at Illinois State in 1984 and currently serves Redbird student-athletes as an academic advisor.

Steve and Julie have three children: Matthew (25), Dusty (24) and Jill (17). Matthew graduated from Illinois State in 2012, Dusty graduated from University of Illinois in 2013, and Jill is currently a senior at Normal Community West High School.

Redbird Championships

Midwest Independent: 1986, 87, 88, 90, 91

Gateway Conference: 1986, 88, 89, 90, 92

National Independent: 1993, 94, 95

Missouri Valley Conference: 1996

Coach of the Year

Missouri Valley Conference: 1996

Midwest Independent: 1986, 87, 89, 90

National Independent: 1993, 94