via the PBA press releases/website

Bernardo Named Interim Head Men’s Lacrosse Coach

by Cole Helman, Director of Athletic Communications

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Palm Beach Atlantic University Director of Athletics Courtney Lovely Evans has announced Brett Bernardo will lead the PBA men’s lacrosse program as the interim head coach for the 2024-25 academic year.
 
“I am thankful that Brett has agreed to take over the program for the 2024-25 academic year,” Lovely Evans said. “I believe this decision is in the best interest of the program and our student-athletes. Brett is familiar with our program and has helped us improve in his two years here. He has well-established relationships with our current student-athletes and knows the standards we strive to uphold at PBA on and off the field. I am excited to see how he will take advantage of the opportunity presented.”
 
Bernardo has been the assistant coach for the Sailfish for two years. He has helped the program reach new heights, including the best single season winning percentage in history in 2024. PBA notched the most conference wins in program history this season, including a ranked win over No. 20-ranked Saint Leo. The team cracked the top-20 in USA Lacrosse Magazine.
 
“I’m grateful to God for opening this door to serve at a university that embodies excellence in all they do,” Bernardo said. “I want to thank Courtney Lovely Evans for giving me this opportunity to lead a program that has so much potential. I’d also like to thank Coach Jesse Vanatta for the opportunity to work alongside him over the last two years. It’s been a pleasure investing in this team with him, and I’m excited to continue the momentum and success that we’ve had moving forward.”
 
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 the defense and the 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. 

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Vanatta Steps Down From Sailfish Men’s Lacrosse Program

by Brad Seitz, Assistant Director, Athletic Communications

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Palm Beach Atlantic men’s lacrosse head coach Jesse Vanatta announced that he has voluntarily resigned from the program to explore other opportunities outside collegiate athletics.
 
“My time at PBA has been an incredibly rewarding experience, filled with amazing memories and relationships that I’ll carry with me forever,” Vanatta said. “I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Dr. Debra Schwinn, Courtney Lovely Evans, and TJ Budd for their unwavering support and exceptional leadership. Their dedication has fostered a positive and dynamic environment for PBA’s student-athletes and coaches. I’m grateful to all those I’ve had the pleasure to coach, those I’ve coached with, and the mentors God put in my life who gave me so much and prepared me for the opportunity to be the head coach at PBA. I also want to express my sincere thanks to the PBA lacrosse alumni, whose passion and commitment have helped build a rich legacy that I am honored to be a part of.”
 
Vanatta has been a Sailfish lifer since being a PBA graduate in 2013. Vanatta was a three-year captain of the club team and was selected as an all-conference performer as a student-athlete. He helped guide the team to their first-ever conference championship appearance as a player in 2010 and their first national championship tournament appearance in 2013. After graduating, Vanatta served on staff as an assistant before elevating to head coach in 2022, where he served for three seasons.

 
“Most importantly, I’d like to thank my wife, Rachel, and our two children, Killian and Scout, whose unwavering support has been my foundation throughout this journey,” Vanatta said. “Their love and encouragement are invaluable. As my family and I enter a new chapter, I am excited about the direction of this program and confident in its continued success moving forward. The future of PBA men’s lacrosse is bright, and I’m eager to see the team reach new heights. Palm Beach Atlantic University and the men’s lacrosse program will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will continue to support and cheer for their success.”
 
The program was coming off its best season in history, finishing with the highest winning percentage since becoming a varsity sport in 2018. PBA recorded its best Sunshine State Conference record in program history.
 
“I want to thank Jesse for accepting the call to lead our men’s lacrosse program,” PBA Director of Athletics Courtney Lovely Evans said. “I wish nothing but the best to him and his family as they follow the next step in what God has in store for them.”