JACKSON, Tenn. - Union University has named Tristan Kelly as the next head coach for the men's and women's cross country programs. Kelly takes over for Bailey Bell, the coach for the last six seasons. After spending one season as the assistant coach for Bell, Kelly becomes just the third cross country head coach on program history (Dr. Gary Johnson). 

Union's Director of Athletics, Mark Campbell, said, "Tristan has always been one of those guys who just goes and gets it done. He wants to honor the Lord in all he does. He works extremely hard, he asks questions and he cares deeply about cross country and his runners. Tristan has had the opportunity to learn from Bailey Bell, who set a high standard here. I trust his heart and I can already see his vision and his proactive approach. He will bring intentionality in all that he does."

In 2025, as assistant coach, Kelly helped lead the teams to solid seasons with several PRs among the runners. The men's team finished fifth in the Gulf South Conference Championship race, its best GSC finish in program history. Aaron Fynaardt finished eighth. The men's team also finished ninth in the NCAA D2 South Region Championship race with Fynaardt finishing 22nd. The women's team finished fifth in the GSC Championship race, with Addi Aguayo finishing second, the highest individual finish for a Union women's runner. The ladies added a 13th place finish in the region, while Aguayo finished third. In doing so, Aguayo qualified for the NCAA D2 National Championship meet where she finished 112th. 

Kelly said, "This program is special, so it is a true privilege to be taking over this year. I thank especially Union's President, Dr. Dub and Union's Athletic Director, Coach Campbell for this opportunity and their support. I am deeply grateful for Coach Bell and how he has mentored me over the years. I'm excited to continue the work that he started of building an excellence driven, and Christ centered environment that promotes thriving and flourishing. I feel like the buildup to August is like when you're a little kid getting ready for Christmas!  Both the guys and the girls' team have big aspirations this year, so I think we are all ready to get started. Man...it's going to be a lot of fun!"

Kelly graduated from Union in May of 2025 with a degree in exercise science. He ran four years of cross country for the Union men's team from 2021-24. He was consistently among the top runners on the team during this career. He was named to the GSC Honor Roll all four years. He competed in four Gulf South Conference Championship races and three NCAA D2 South Region Championship races. 

The Omagh, Ireland native prepped at Christian Brothers Grammar School where he ran cross country for three years, track for three years, played soccer for five years, and Gaelic for eight years. Kelly earned numerous awards including Ulster Schools Bronze, Ulster Championship Medalist, Gaelic Championship Winner, and All-Ireland 6x finalist. Off the course, he earned the Pope John Paul Award (Gold). 

Kelly competes in marathon distance running, including the St. Jude Marathon (2:30:58 in 2025). 

Kelly and his wife Emma were married in November 2025 and they attend Cornerstone Community Church. 

-UNION-