New Athletic Director Named

The Belen Jesuit administration is excited to announce that Lazaro Fernández has been hired as the new Athletic Director at Belen Jesuit Preparatory School.

“After an extensive search, I feel confident Lazaro is the right person for this important position at our school,” said Fr. Guillermo M. García-Tuñón, S.J., President, Belen Jesuit Preparatory School. “He is a man of integrity who has worked in athletic administration and coaching for nearly two decades. He has a proven track record as an outstanding educator and coach, an excellent role model who places great value on the education and the development of the whole person, and someone eager to embrace our mission as a school.” 

Lazaro Fernández, 48, is the former Director of Athletics at Gulliver Preparatory. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Management from Taylor University, a Master of Science degree in Sports Management from Barry University, and a Master of Science degree in Higher Education Leadership and Administration from Capella University. 

“I am excited to begin this new chapter in my professional career, and I strive to build relationships with Belen Jesuit student-athletes, parents, coaches, teachers, administrators, alumni, and members of the Belen community,” said Fernández. “It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of Belen legend Carlos Barquin who led the Athletics Department with passion and devotion for over five decades. I look forward to working with an immensely talented group of coaches and, in particular, another Belen legend Richard Stuart who will continue to shape and inspire the young men at the school. I am eager to work with him as we set out to develop an already successful program further.”

In addition to his many years of service at Gulliver Prep, Fernández’s experience includes being Assistant Coach of Women’s Basketball at Colgate University, Assistant Athletic Director at Florida Christian School, and Athletic Director at The Hebrew School.

Fernández will begin his new role at the start of the 2023-2024 academic year. At that time, Carlos Barquín will transition to his new role as Special Assistant to the President. Barquín has been tasked to help oversee the completion of the new Robert Surís Athletic Facility and assist the Office of Advancement in promoting the development of this endeavor.

“Lazaro is coming on board during a very exciting time at the school,” added Fr. García-Tuñón, S.J. “Our athletic program has amassed over 30 state championships since 1961. Most recently, our Wolverines won their 14th cross country state title and 1st basketball state championship. Sixty-five percent of our students (grades 6-12) participate in a sport, and construction is underway on our new state-of-the-art three-story athletic center. The future is bright and I wholeheartedly believe Lazaro will significantly build upon our stellar athletics program.”