Xavier High School is pleased to announce the hiring of Steve Cusano as the school's new Head Coach of Swimming & Diving, bringing an accomplished coaching résumé, a championship pedigree, and a passion for developing student-athletes both in and out of the pool.
Cusano joins Xavier after serving as an assistant swim coach at Eastern Connecticut State University since 2022. He also currently leads both the Minnechaug Makos Swim Team and Cougar Aquatics, while previously serving as head coach at Haddam-Killingworth High School, where he was named the 2022-23 SCC Division II Coach of the Year. His coaching experience spans more than a decade across high school, collegiate, club, and recreational swimming.
"I am excited to join the Xavier family and honored to lead the Swimming & Diving program," Cusano said. "Xavier has a proud tradition of success, and I am grateful for the opportunity to build on that foundation, establish continuity, and help our student-athletes reach their full potential. I look forward to competing for championships and representing Xavier with pride."
A graduate of Southern Connecticut State University, Cusano was a standout swimmer for the Owls, serving as team captain, earning All-Northeast-10 Conference honors, and capturing three conference championships during his collegiate career. Professionally, he has also spent more than a decade with PlayOn! Sports (NFHS Network), producing and broadcasting major sporting events, including the New England High School Swimming Championships.
Xavier Athletic Director Dan DeConti said Cusano's combination of coaching experience, leadership, and enthusiasm made him the ideal choice to lead the Falcons program into its next chapter.
"I am thrilled to welcome Steve Cusano as Xavier's new Head Coach of our Swimming & Diving program," DeConti said. "Steve's knowledge, experience, and enthusiasm for working with high school student-athletes make him an outstanding fit for our community. I am excited to see the positive impact he will have on our swimmers, divers, and the continued growth of our program."
Cusano inherits a program with a proud tradition of excellence and will focus on building upon that legacy while fostering an environment where student-athletes can grow as competitors, teammates, and young men. His extensive experience at every level of the sport, coupled with his commitment to developing championship-caliber programs, positions Xavier Swimming & Diving for continued success in the years ahead.