Palm Beach Atlantic University Athletics

Brett Bernardo joined the Palm Beach Atlantic men's lacrosse program as an assistant coach prior the 2022-23 season. The team has improved throughout his tenure with PBA. The squad posted its best single season winning percentage in 2024, and finished above .500 for the first time. PBA notched the most conference wins in program history in 2024, including a ranked win over No. 20-ranked Saint Leo. The team cracked the top-20 in USA Lacrosse Magazine.




Bernardo has experience as a player and coach at the collegiate level, starting with his playing career at Marist College before transferring to Liberty University. Bernardo was named a two-time MLCA first team all-American with the Flames. He was named SELC Offensive player of the year in 2015.

After his playing career, Bernardo began his coaching career with the Flames in 2016. Primarily coaching the offense, he helped lead Liberty to a No. 2-ranking in the MLCA in 2019. He coached seven MLCA all-Americans and 13 all-conference players during his tenure.

After three years of coaching at his alma mater, he moved to Grove City College where he helped with recruiting efforts, guiding the team to a PAC championship and an appearance in the NCAA DIII tournament. In his season with the Wolverines, the team posted an 11-2 record.

Before coming to PBA, Bernardo served as an assistant coach at Messiah University working primarily with the defense and goalies, organizing recruiting camps, and managing the team's social media accounts. In one season with the Falcons, the squad finished with a winning record at home and increased the amount of conference wins to four.

Bernardo is actively involved with FCA lacrosse. He began working with them as an intern in 2015 and has stayed involved by coaching camps and teams across the country. 

Bernardo graduated from Shenendehowa High School in Clifton Park, NY  in 2011 as a scholar athlete, Section 2 First Team All-Star hockey goalie, and lacrosse midfielder. He was named MVP in the state semifinal game against Farmingdale High School.