Mark Bernsen.
FORMER Tralee Tigers coach, Mark Bernsen, has returned to Ireland to become Director of Basketball Operations with Tralee Imperials.
The name of Mark Bernsen will be well known to many who follow the sport of basketball in the county, as he has previously coached in Tralee when he was with Tigers during their sojourn in the Super League.
The American native has over 35 years coaching experience in basketball working in the US with the likes of Missouri State alongside legendary coach Charlie Spoonhour, Jefferson and Moberly Community Colleges, Missouri University and the University of Idaho.
He has been coaching professionally in Switzerland for the last number of years and Imperials are delighted to make such a high profile signing.
Chairman John Dowling is delighted that Imperials have secured the services of Mark on a full time basis.
“We are thrilled that he has agreed to become our Director of Basketball Operations and we are really looking forward to benefitting from his vast knowledge and experience,” said John Dowling.
While Bernsen’s main coaching duties will be with the Senior Ladies and u20 Men’s team that will compete in Division 1 of the National League as well as in the County League, Mark will perform a number of other duties including overseeing the underage programme at Imperials.
Team Brogue Tralee Basketball Club will be the competition name for the Men u20’s team which will compete in the National League Division 1 as well as the County League.
The club is delighted to welcome Kirby’s of the Brogue Inn as title sponsors for the Men’s team. Kirby’s are one of Tralee’s top sporting families and both are really looking forward to the partnership.
This is a big season at this level with the introduction of the Hula Hoops National Intermediate Club Championship so this team will have lots to play for.
The senior Women’s team has been at the forefront of the game in the country over the last number of years. Regular qualification and winning of Cup finals and also League titles has seen them consistently amongst the best in the country.
While the squad is being finalised there will be a number of new names on the team sheet including that of French player Juanita Robayo who will bring that continental flair to the squad.
The plan is to get this squad into the Women’s SuperLeague in the coming seasons and Chairman John Dowling is eagerly looking forward to the new season.
“Everyone in Imperials is excited to get the new season underway with Mark Bernsen at the head of operations. We will know our squads very shortly and once Mark arrives in the next two weeks preseason training will get underway so it’s all systems go for what promises to be a great season,” said John Dowling.
1975 was with Coach Mark Bernsen McClure High School team, wanted to say hi to him thank you for passing this along to him for me.
1975 was with Coach Mark Bersen McClure High School, wanted to say hi to him. Thanks for passing this along to him for me.