California State University Northridge Athletics
CSUN Athletics Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1994
- Class:
- 1963
Of those national titles, nine (1975, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, and 1985) were captured by the CSUN men’s squad. Four more NCAA championship banners went up (1982, 1987, 1988, and 1989) on the women’s side. Those Matador teams also gained runner-up honors eight times during that time.
In 1982, he became the first coach in NCAA history to win national championships in the same season in two sports (men’s and women’s swimming). He was named the NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving Coach of the Decade (the 1980's).
Among Accardy's top swimmers were fellow CSUN Hall of Famers Michelle Hampton (12-time NCAA champion), Jeff Kubiak (U.S. National Team member, 1985 and 1986 Division II NCAA Swimmer of the Year), Craig Dinkel (All-American), Bruce Dodge (All-American), Bob Gaona (All-American), Michael Hamm (All-American), and John Larson (All-American).
In 2021, to commemorate its centennial, the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) selected its 100 Greatest Swimmers & Divers, 100 Greatest Coaches, 100 Alumni of Impact, and the Centennial MVP teams.
Accardy was one of the 100 coaches named to the list, which showcased the people who have made significant contributions both in the water and in society and highlighted opportunities the sport provides to thousands of student-athletes.
Accardy graduated from San Fernando Valley State College (CSUN) in 1963 with his bachelor's degree in physical education. He also competed as a student-athlete, playing on the school's very first men's basketball and swim teams during the 1958–59 season
