Waterville, ME – Thomas College Athletics is excited to announce the hiring of Bryan Hagopian as the next Head Coach of the Terriers' Men's and Women's Cross Country programs. Hagopian will also serve as an Assistant Track & Field Coach.

Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Andrea Thebarge quoted, "Bryan's extensive experience across all levels of NCAA athletics, along with his record of building successful programs, producing championship-caliber teams, while still developing student-athletes makes him a fantastic addition to our department."

Hagopian's coaching style revolves around a hands-on, fundamental approach. "My coaching style has evolved over the years. I've really shifted my focus to quality over quantity and being a hands-on coach. I want to coach the student-athletes, not just write down times. I also try to use technology whenever I can to help them get the most out of themselves, whether that's improving their form, building speed, increasing endurance, or developing strength. All those pieces work together to help each student athlete reach their full potential."

Hagopian brings nearly 30 years of collegiate coaching experience to Thomas College, having coached at successful NCAA Division I, II, III, and NAIA programs throughout his career. Most recently, he spent the last three seasons at NCAA Division II institution University of Mount Olive, where he helped both the Men's and Women's Outdoor Track & Field teams earn their 12^th straight Conference Carolinas Championships. Hagopian was able to develop several all-conference and all-region student-athletes, helping contribute to three straight championships.

Hagopian then spent the previous 16 seasons as the Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach at NCAA Division II institution Nova Southeastern University, where he established one of the top programs in the region while coaching nearly 15 All-Americans and more than 40 individual conference champions.

During his tenure at Nova Southeastern, Hagopian earned four conference Coach of the Year honors and was named South Region Coach of the Year in 2012. He guided the Sharks to the 2012 Sunshine State Conference Men's Cross Country Championship, continuing that success by placing first at the NCAA Division II South Regional meet. Hagopian also guided the Women's Track & Field team to the 2017 Peach Belt Conference Championship. His teams consistently competed at the national level, producing NCAA Championship qualifiers, conference champions, school-record performances, and numerous All-Region selections.

The 2017 season marked one of the most successful years of Hagopian's career, as Nova Southeastern produced 16 NCAA national qualifiers, two NCAA All-Americans, and captured the program's first Peach Belt Conference Women's Track & Field Championship while setting multiple conference and school records. Throughout his tenure, his teams regularly qualified for NCAA regional and national championships while establishing new program standards across cross country and track & field.
 
Prior to Nova Southeastern, Hagopian served as an Assistant Coach at NCAA Division I institution University of Louisiana-Lafayette, where he coached a regional qualifier and eight All-Sun Belt Conference performers. He previously served as head coach at the College of Mount Saint Joseph (NCAA Division III), where he founded the institution's Men's and Women's Track & Field programs while leading the cross country teams to All-Region honors.

Hagopian also spent time as an Assistant Coach at Upper Iowa University (NCAA Division II) before beginning his collegiate head coaching career at Mount Senario College (NAIA). At Mount Senario, he established the school's first cross country program and coached three NAIA national qualifiers in track & field.

When asked about what he is most excited for, Hagopian emphasized his roots in Maine. "What really excites me the most is going back home to Maine. I am excited to be back home close to family and friends while brining my talents of coaching, developing student-athletes, and developing programs to Thomas College."

A graduate of Hastings College with a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and Coaching, Hagopian earned his master's degree in Athletic Administration from Minnesota State University-Mankato.

Hagopian's official start date is Monday, August 17^th, and will look to prepare for the upcoming cross country season.