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By ANDREW SIMONSON | Sports Editor

NORTH SHELBY – Briarwood Christian School will have a former MLB All-Star leading the way in developing its athletic programs going forward who brings a wealth of experience from professional and international sports.

Briarwood named Australian national baseball team and Brisbane Bandits manager David Nilsson as the school’s Head of Athletics on Wednesday, Sept. 4.

Nilsson’s position will be separate from athletic director Chris Heaps, who was promoted to his position as AD and head varsity baseball coach on May 3. Nilsson will oversee the development and implementation of athletic programs across all ages at the school.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to be the Head of Athletics and oversee the athletics program at Briarwood Christian School,” Nilsson said. “Building a sustainable, successful program for the Glory of God is something I am passionate about. I look forward to working with all the coaches in implementing a structure that will both educate and develop all athletes from K-12 and beyond.”

During his playing days, Nilsson spent his entire 13-season career as a catcher for the Milwaukee Brewers. He was named a National League All-Star in 1999 and left the club after the season as a free agent to return home and become the captain of the Australian national baseball team.

Nilsson captained Australia in both the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2004 Athens Olympics, and he won a silver medal in the latter games. He also appeared in the 2006 World Baseball Classic.

Nilsson then embarked on a coaching career that included a stop with the Arizona Diamondbacks as the team’s catching coordinator as well as head coaching positions with the MLB Australian Academy, the Australian Baseball League’s Brisbane Bandits and the Australian national team.

He won four straight Australian Baseball League titles with the Bandits as the team’s director of baseball operations and head coach, and as national manager and head coach for Australia, he led the team to the quarterfinals of the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Nilsson had served at the helm of the Bandits since 2014 and Australia since 2018 before coming to Alabama to lead Briarwood athletics.

“David brings a unique set of skills and experience to Briarwood,” Briarwood Christian School superintendent Gus Martin said. “His accomplishments at the highest levels of baseball, both in the MLB and as an Olympic silver medalist, are extraordinary. However, what sets him apart is his ability to build exceptional athletic systems and structures. His hire is a strategic move to advance Briarwood athletics, and we are excited for the future.”

BCS Chief of Operations Jay Matthews also expressed his excitement to see his talent for development and Christ-centered approach lead the Lions athletic department.

“We are excited to have Dave Nilsson joining our athletics admin team,” Matthews said. “His extensive experience in Major League Baseball and his leadership with the Australian Olympic Baseball program will be invaluable for scaling and improving our athletics program. His knowledge of sports science technology and strategic development programs for all age groups will surely enhance our initiatives. And most importantly, his passion for Christ and all sports will inspire our coaches and athletes.”