During his 25 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 current school records, claimed six Midwest Independent titles, three National Independent Championships and six Missouri Valley Conference crowns. A dedicated coach to his athletes in the water, Paska is also devoted to helping his swimmers succeed in the classroom. In the spring 2010 semester, the Redbird swimmers and divers compiled a 3.35 cumulative grade-point-average, an all-time team record.

In the 2009-10 season, 30 of Paska's student-athletes earned MVC academic honors, seven swimmers were named Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete team members and six swimmers were named All-Valley performers.

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 (21), Dusty (19) and Jill (13). Matthew is a junior at Illinois State and Dusty is a sophomore at Illinois.

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