LEXINGTON, Ky. – On Tuesday, Head Coach Bret Lundgaard announced the two latest staff additions of Cauli Bedran as associate coach and Matt Martinez as the recruiting coordinator for the Kentucky Swimming and Diving program. Both will assist in coaching and recruiting elite student-athletes from beyond the national level, coming from programs with championship experience.
“We have big goals for our relays and sprint development, and I know Cauli is going to play an impactful role in this growth,” Lundgaard said. “Matt brings such positive energy to our deck and our team’s culture. He is a relationship builder who is passionate about recruiting and his partnerships with the student-athletes.”
Bedran and Martinez bring years of coaching success with some of the best swimming programs in the country. They both come to Lexington by way of the University of Wisconsin most recently, where Bedran was an assistant coach since 2023 and Martinez an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator since 2022.
At Wisconsin, Bedran worked primarily with the men’s sprint group and Martinez with mid-distance swimmers and breaststrokers. Both helped lead their men’s team to finish 22nd at the 2025 NCAA Men’s Swimming and Diving National Championship and the women’s team to end up 12th at the 2025 NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving National Championship. This was the women’s best program finish since 2011, also achieving four All-Americans on the year.
Before Wisconsin, Bedran served as an assistant coach for the University of Michigan (2018-2023) for two years after being promoted from volunteer status. During this time, the Wolverines women’s team finished top 10 twice at the NCAA Women’s Swimming & Diving Championship and the men’s team won two Big Ten Championships.
Throughout his 15-year coaching career, Bedran also has experience coaching for team Brazil at the World University Games, Bowling Green State University as an assistant, Olivet College as head coach and director, and as a graduate assistant coach at Wayne State University, where he received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees.
“He has experience developing sprinters at the NCAA and international level, and I can’t wait to see our student-athletes partner with him,” Lundgaard said. “Even more than the x’s and o’s, I am excited about adding another coach to the staff that values the individual and has the interpersonal skillset to facilitate breakthroughs in our student-athletes, both in and out of the pool. We welcome Cauli, his wife Lauren, and their three children: Mila, Cohen, and Lenna.”
“I’d like to thank Bret, the administration, and the rest of the staff for this opportunity. My family and I are excited to join the Big Blue Nation,” Bedran said. “For the past 15 years, I’ve been blessed to make a positive impact on student athlete’s lives and help them swim fast. I’m looking forward to doing it in Lexington. We are looking forward to putting rings on fingers and diplomas in hands! Go Cats!”
Martinez also brings additional experience in his role as a volunteer assistant coach for the 2022 NCAA Men’s Swimming and Diving National Championship program, the Cal Berkley Golden Bears. During this time, he directly reported to head coach and 2021 USA Olympic Head Coach Dave Durden.
Martinez also has had brief stints working for the Warringah Aquatic Swim Club in Australia, assisting the Olympic and senior level athletes on team and at Binghamton University as well.
“Matt has a valuable background contributing to teams that have experienced the pinnacle of NCAA and Olympic excellence, and I have no doubt that he will be impactful in UK’s climb to those standards,” Lundgaard said. “We welcome Matt and Sara to BBN and can’t wait to get to work!”
“I’m incredibly honored to join the University of Kentucky Swim & Dive Program and excited to work alongside Coach Bret Lundgaard and the outstanding staff here.” Martinez said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a respected program and help our student-athletes reach their full potential. I want to sincerely thank everyone at the University of Wisconsin – especially Yuri, Kristy, Jennah, Cauli, and Yahya. My family is looking forward to this next chapter in Lexington and the challenges and growth it will bring. Go Cats!!”
For the latest on UK Swim & Dive, follow the Wildcats on X and Instagram at @UKSwimDive, and on Facebook at Kentucky Swimming and Diving.
