Bernardi tabbed to take over at St. Joseph

Jeff Bernardi had told his boys basketball players at East Lyme that the only way he was leaving was for “one of those high-profile jobs” across the CIAC boys basketball landscape.

One of those opportunities became available in late March. Less than two months later, Bernardi had landed a high-profile head coaching position: at St. Joseph.

The 37-year-old Bernardi was officially named the Cadets’ fifth head coach on

Wednesday afternoon. He replaces Kevin Wielk, who resigned in March after four seasons.

Bernardi found out about the appointment on Monday morning.

“I was a little overwhelmed to be honest because I know the opportunity this program represents and I know I really wanted to coach at one of the really high-profile programs. To be named the next St. Joseph coach meant a whole lot to me.”

Bernardi, a Guilford native and Clinton resident, coached at East Lyme for eight seasons, leading the team to the ECC tournament championship this past March, defeating Norwich Free Academy, New London and Waterford en route to the title. The Vikings also advanced to the Division I tournament final in 2018 and 2021.

Bernardi also won a pair of ECC Division I championships at East Lyme in consecutive seasons (2018 and 2019).

Asked what he thought the difference was in him landing the job, Bernardi said, “I think my ability to turn a program around. My first year at East Lyme, we were 1-19. A couple years later, we were competing for an ECC championship. It was a relatively quick turnaround. I think also my organization skills, ability to communicate, foster really strong relationships with players and my attention to detail when it comes to preparation and team execution.”

Bernardi will meet the Cadets on Thursday morning according to a release on the school website.