Union University Athletics

Tristan Kelly was named the head coach for the Union University men's and women's cross country programs in June 2026. Kelly spent the 2025 season as assistant coach for both programs. 

2025 (Assistant Coach)
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 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 races, 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.