Bardstown City Schools is proud to announce the hiring of Ryan Bringhurst as the new Director of Athletics and Extracurricular Activities. In this role, Bringhurst will lead the district’s athletic and extracurricular programs, expanding opportunities for students in preschool through 12th grade to participate in sports, teams, and activities that promote growth, teamwork, and school pride.
Bringhurst offers a strong and diverse background in athletics, shaped by eight years of experience as an athletic director at Louisville Central High School and North Bullitt High School. He has overseen coaching staffs, managed athletic budgets, maintained facilities, and led the coordination of game day logistics. In addition to his leadership experience, he has coached both track and soccer and serves as a certified soccer referee for US Soccer, giving him a well-rounded perspective on student athletics from the sidelines to administration.
In addition to traditional athletics, Bringhurst is known for his forward-thinking approach to student engagement. In 2019, he presented at the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Conference on implementing eSports at the high school level—an initiative he led at Louisville Central, one of the first schools in Kentucky to offer eSports as a competitive opportunity. He also served for five years on the Kentucky Athletic Administrators Association Board of Directors and was a member of the KHSAA Swim and Dive Advisory Committee.
“I am excited to join the team at Bardstown City Schools and be a part of Bardstown’s rich tradition of academic and athletic success,” said Ryan Bringhurst. “ I look forward to assisting our schools by having every student involved in an extracurricular activity as part of their experience as a Tiger. “
Bringhurst currently serves as Assistant Principal at Louisville Central High School. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Administration, a Master of Arts in Teaching, and an Education Specialist degree in Principal Leadership. With 15 years of experience as an educator and administrator, he brings a balanced perspective that values both athletic excellence and student development.
“I’m excited to welcome Ryan Bringhurst to our team,” said Dr. Ryan Clark, superintendent. “Mr. Bringhurst brings extensive experience in athletic program management and school leadership. He understands the importance of student involvement in activities beyond the school day and how these experiences can deepen student engagement and build stronger connections to school. I know he’ll be a great fit for our district.”
Bringhurst will officially assume his new role on July 1, 2025.
