Brian Bardsley is in second year as a member of the University of New Orleans athletic department and his first assisting the cross country program.

Bardsley brings experience working with student-athletes, the athletic department and at the University to the cross country staff. His primary task will be to direct training sessions and engage the team on campus.

During the 2010-11 season, Bardsley served as a graduate assistant on the UNO swimming and diving coaching staff.

Prior to his arrival at UNO, Bardsley served as coach of the Plano Sea Dragon YMCA Swim Club from 2009 through 2010. While there, he coached Rishad Kumar to Texas state records and the team to a fourth place finish at the Lonestar Championship swim meet.

A successful swimmer himself, Bardsley was a three-time NCAA Division II national meet qualifier, helping Drury to the 2005 national championship.

In high school, Bardsley was a five-time 5A Texas state meet qualifier from 2001 through 2003, while serving as a member of the 2001 Plano Senior High School regional championship squad. In addition to high school team accolades, Bardsley qualified for the 2002 and 2003 American Short Course Championship.

A 2007 graduate of Drury University with a degree in Integrated Media, Bardsley worked for Meyer Communications Radio in Springfield, Mo. for two years following his graduation.

The son of Michael and Maura Bardsley, the native of Plano, Texas has a brother, Kevin and a sister, Colleen.