Lia Kunnapas, one of the most accomplished coaches in N.J. swimming history, added a national award to her stacked resume on Monday.
Kunnapas, who is currently in her ninth season as head coach of both Immaculate Heart and Bergen Catholic, was one of the 24 individuals selected as 2023-24 National Coaches of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), winning Girls Swimming Coach of the Year honors.
A former NJ.com Girls Swimming Coach of the Year in 2024, Kunnapas led both teams to championship seasons last winter.
Kunnapas won her sixth overall state title as head coach when Immaculate secured the Non-Public state championship last February. IHA also won its 25th straight county title in 2023-24, finishing the season with an unbeaten record (11-0) for the first time since 2015-16.
In just eight seasons with IHA, Lia Kunnapas has an overall record of 76-9.
She also had a successful season on the boys side, steering Bergen Catholic to a 9-3 record and Non-Public North sectional title. Bergen Catholic also won its second straight county title that season.
According to the press release, The NFHS receives nominations from its member state associations, which often works with the state coaches’ association in its respective state, per the organization.
Corey Annan can be reached at cannan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him or send him a message on Twitter/X @coreyannan360.
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