Over the next few weeks, CUNYAC will be spotlighting some of the league's most winningest and long-tenured head coaches, recognizing their accomplishments, how they handled the pandemic, and what goes into building a successful program.

They caught up with Director of Aquatics and Baruch Head Men's and Women's Swimming Coach, Charles Lampasso. A 12-time CUNYAC Coach of the Year honoree, Lampasso is in his 16th season with the Bearcats, guiding the swimming programs to a combined 13 CUNYAC Championships during his tenure.

Q: What made you want to become a Coach?

A: I had a serious injury in high school and worked with my physical therapist and my coach and was able to make a comeback a year later. In my senior year of college, I blew out my shoulder and had to officially retire from competitive swimming. My college coach was very supportive, so he suggested that I come and coach with him at practices. If I couldn't get in the practice and get my "work out high," I might as well get it by being on the deck and really pushing my teammates to be better. That is how it started my coaching career, and I haven't looked back since then.

Q: Who was one of your biggest influences in becoming a Coach?

A: I have been lucky enough to have had a few mentors. First was my college coach, Dave Allen, who jump started my coaching career. Second was my mother, Nancy Lampasso, who coached for over 45 years. After coaching for two years at my alma mater, I coached with her for 10 years. At least a dozen of my alumni began their swimming careers with her being their coach.

Q: You've been coaching at Baruch for over 15 years. What is it about the College that has kept you around for this long?

A: Baruch is the perfect blend of a great education at a great price. We take being a student-athlete very seriously. The athletic staff are all on the same page and want to see our student-athletes succeed both in the classroom and in the pool.

Q: You've won a combined 13 CUNYAC Championships on the men's and women's side. Is there a particular season that is most memorable and why?

A: There isn't one particular season that is most memorable as they are all unforgettable but the one that stands out the most would be the 2009-2010 season. It was the first winning season for both our men and women. No one in the conference had won both men and women championships together in the same season. The teams worked extremely hard together and for them to win both was exceptionally rewarding.

Q: You've been named CUNYAC Coach of the Year on 12 occasions. What does this recognition mean to you?

A: This recognition means a great deal to me as there are many notable coaches in the CUNY Athletic Conference.

Q: What do you believe is the key to building a successful program?

A: I believe the key to building a successful program is balance. We are a NCAA Division III institution, and our players are student-athletes, excelling not only in the pool but in the classroom as well. They compete for their love of the sport. You must have a well-balanced regimen in order to accomplish your goals in both academics and athletics.

Q: What is one thing you hope to instill into your student-athletes?

A: In order to be successful in anything you do, you have to work hard. You have to follow your own path, be responsible for your own decisions but never forget that there will always be people supporting you along the way.

Q: What were your initial thoughts when you first heard the news about sports being cancelled for the season?

A: My initial thoughts about the sports being canceled for the season was disheartened for the student-athletes, especially the seniors who have trained on their own leading up to the start of the season despite the pandemic. However, I understood why the sports were being canceled for the season as we have to look out for the overall health and safety of the student-athletes.

Q: How did you keep in touch with your players during the pandemic?

A: We had bi-weekly zoom meetings with the team during the pandemic as well as individual emails and texts to see how the student-athletes were holding up and if they needed any assistance.

Q: How has this pandemic/quarantine altered your view on the world and/or your life?

A: This pandemic has altered my view on the world and life as you always should have a plan but always expect the unexpected and be flexible to able to change your plans accordingly.