After a nationwide search, Sean Westerlund has been selected as the head coach of the Bryn Athyn men's basketball program. Bryn Athyn dean of students Suzanne Nelson made the announcement Wednesday.
"We are thrilled to have Sean join the Bryn Athyn College community," said Nelson. "He has the vision, work ethic, and organizational skills that a head coach needs to be successful at the Division III level."
Westerlund comes to Bryn Athyn after a four-season stint as an assistant men's basketball coach and recruiting coordinator at Hood. While at Hood, Westerlund's responsibilities included: recruiting, opponent scouting reports, game and practice planning, skill development, advanced statistical analysis, and fundraising.
He replaces Justin Baxter, who coached the Lions for the past seven seasons, to a record of 52-123. Bryn Athyn was 5-20 this past season, 4-10 in the Colonial States Athletic Conference.
"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to be the next head men's basketball coach at Bryn Athyn," said Westerlund. "It is truly a dream come true for me.
Throughout this process, it was evident how unique and special a place Bryn Athyn is. I want to thank president Brian Blair, Dr. Suzanne Nelson, the search committee, and the Bryn Athyn community for entrusting me with this amazing opportunity."
An offensive-minded coach, Westerlund's offensive tactics allowed the Blazers to lead the Middle Atlantic Conference Commonwealth in scoring offense and made 3-point baskets in each of the last two seasons. Last season, Hood ranked 16th in NCAA Division III with 11.0 made 3-pointers per game.
He helped bring to Hood many successful recruits, including Mason Wang (two-time MACC first team, two-time D3hoops.com All-Region second team, 2019-20 NABC All-Middle Atlantic District second team, 2018-19 ALL-ECAC honorable mention), Evan Wang (2019-20 MACC second team), Michael Riley (2018-19 MACC second team), and Scott Bolen (2016-17 MACC second team).
In addition to his coaching responsibilities at Hood, Westerlund also served as an undergraduate admissions counselor for the college for two years.
Before joining Hood, Westerlund was the head varsity boy's basketball coach at Harford Christian High School in Maryland from 2013 through 2016. Harford Christian won the Maryland Association of Christian Schools Athletic Conference in each of Westerlund's three seasons at the helm. In the 2015-16 season, Harford Christian won the Bob Jones University National Invitational Tournament and reached the Maryland Christian School Tournament Division 1 Championship final for the first time in school history. Westerlund coached 16 all-conference players, six All-Harford County players, and one DMVElite All-State player.
Westerlund started his career as the associate head varsity boys' basketball coach and junior varsity head coach at Harford Christian in 2010. In the 2012-13 season, the JV team won its first-ever conference title.
"I would not be in this position without my family, friends, and mentors, and am so deeply appreciative of their love, support, and sacrifice," stated Westerlund. "I am eager to begin working with and investing in the current and future Bryn Athyn men's basketball student-athletes as we look to build a strong culture on and off the court."
A 2013 graduate of Lancaster Bible with a degree in professional counseling – psychology and bible, Westerlund played three sports while in college. He was a four-year men's soccer player and earned All-North Eastern Athletic Conference first-team recognition in 2011. Westerlund was an outfielder for the baseball team in his sophomore and senior years and a guard for the men's basketball program as a freshman.
Westerlund went on to earn a master's degree in coaching and athletic administration from Concordia-Irvine in 2016.