Mario Francisco Sobrinho began his career as a swim coach and educator in Brazil. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from UNIMEP and a Master’s degree in Sport Coaching from UNESP. Over the years, Coach Mario has led three different competitive swim teams, developing numerous international-level and professional athletes—including Pan American Games swimmers and, most notably, Olympic Champion and world record holder César Cielo Filho.

In December 2011, Mario moved to the United States on a work visa to serve as the Aquatics Director at the Sumter YMCA in South Carolina. After 12 successful years there, he relocated to Charlotte, where he continued coaching and teaching with SwimMAC Carolina. During this time, he volunteered alongside his mentor, Olympic Coach David Marsh, and Queen University’s Head Coach Jeff Dugdale. Though his time in Charlotte was brief, it was deeply impactful, allowing him to work directly with Olympians and gain invaluable experience at the elite level.

Coach Mario brings a global perspective, decades of high-level coaching experience, and a passion for athlete development at all levels.

Coach Mario Francisco Sobrinho began his coaching and teaching career in Brazil, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from UNIMEP and a Master's degree in Sport Coaching from UNESP. Over the years, Coach Mario has served as head coach of three top-level swim teams in Brazil, guiding numerous athletes to international and professional success—including Pan American Games participants and, most notably, Olympic Champion and world record holder César Cielo Filho.

In December 2001, Mario moved to the United States on a work visa to serve as the Aquatics Director at the Sumter YMCA in South Carolina.

Coach Mario has continued to grow as both an educator and leader. During a brief but impactful stint in Charlotte, he coached and volunteered with SwimMAC Carolina, working alongside his mentor, Olympic Coach David Marsh, and Queen University Head Coach Jeff Dugdale. That experience gave him the opportunity to collaborate with Olympians and elite athletes, further shaping his coaching philosophy and approach.

In February 2014, he took over as the Director of Competitive Swimming at the Farmington Valley YMCA in Connecticut. Under his leadership, the program has grown to over 200 swimmers and has become one of the premier senior-level programs in the state. His athletes have achieved success at every level—earning spots at YMCA Nationals, Junior and Senior Nationals, and even qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Trials.

Mario lives in Connecticut with his wife, Simone Francisco, and their two sons, Murilo and Bruno Francisco. He remains passionate about athlete development, building strong team culture, and inspiring swimmers to reach their full potential—both in and out of the pool.