Pascal Molinard, who recently realized a longtime dream of coaching a Campbell University Women’s Swim team, was given another reason to celebrate last week when the yearbook, the “Pine Burr,” was dedicated to him by the Campbell student body. “I was very honored and surprised,” Molinard said with a French accent. “It was a very good surprise.” A native of Case-Pilote, Martinique, Molinard was an All-American swimmer at Broward Community College in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. He received both bachelors and masters degrees in health and physical education from Northeast Louisiana University, now the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Molinard joined the Campbell staff in 1991 where he was named director of Recreational Services. He built the Campbell University Swim School, a summer program, from 200 participants to nearly 1,000. In 1994, Molinard founded the Harnett County Aquatic Club and serves as the head coach of the United States Swimming Association-affiliated program. He was named head of the newly formed Women’s Swim team in 2003, making Campbell the ninth NCAA Division 1 member institution to offer women’s swimming in the state of North Carolina. The team began varsity competition in the 2004-05 academic year. As a competitor, Molinard represented his native Martinique in both the South American and Caribbean championships. He went on to Cardinal Gibbons High School in Fort Lauderdale where he earned pre-All-American honors. In 1984, he qualified for the French Olympic Trials then returned to Fort Lauderdale where he was an eight-time junior college All-American at Broward County Community College. One of Molinard’s passions is working with students. “I love to try and make an impact on their lives,” he said, “whether it is instilling discipline and improving their self-esteem through swimming, or encouraging them to continue to stay fit through Campbell’s Lifetime Wellness program.” Working for Campbell has also been a great experience, he added. “I want to help as many people as I can with my God-given talents, and I think Campbell let’s me do that,” he said. “That is what’s so beautiful about this university.”Molinard and his wife, Caroline, reside in Willow Spring, N.C. They have a 12-year-old daughter, Isabelle.
Photo Copy: Campbell’s “Pine Burr” yearbook dedicated to Pascal Molinard, director of Recreational Services and coach of the Women’s Swim team.