Princeton University Athletics
Max Brignola Joins Princeton Wrestling as Assistant Coach
August 17, 2026 | Wrestling
PRINCETON, N.J. – Max Brignola will join the Princeton wrestling team as assistant coach, the team announced Monday.
Brignola comes to Princeton after capping off an illustrious career at Lehigh this past May.
"I'm thrilled to welcome Max to the staff. He comes from a very successful program at Lehigh, and I'm excited to see what new ideas and methods he will bring to our program," said Head Coach Joe Dubuque. "The energy he brings and the way he carries himself will make an immediate impact."
A four-year starter, Brignola was a three-time NCAA Championship qualifier, advancing to the Round of 12 at the 2026 NCAA Championships as he closed out a collegiate career that also included U23 All-American honors.
A two-time EIWA finalist, Brignola claimed the 2026 EIWA Championship and served as team captain that season, leading Lehigh's program both on and off the mat. He was named the J. Daniel Nolan Freshman Athlete of the Year, received both the Lehigh Athletics Distinguished Achievement Award and The Lehigh Wrestling Coaches Award, and was named a finalist for the John A. Cable Leadership Award.
He also competed in the 2026 NCWA All-Star Classic, representing Lehigh among the nation's top wrestlers.
A native of Fair Haven, N.J., he wrestled at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, where he was a four-time state qualifier and two-time state placewinner. Brignola won the 2021 regional champion title and was a two-time district champion, finishing his prep career with a 124-21 record while serving three years as team captain.
Off the mat, Brignola graduated from Lehigh with a degree in Finance from the College of Business, reflecting the same discipline and drive that defined his wrestling career.
"I'm excited to be part of this program," said Brignola. "From my first conversations with the coaches, it was clear how much they value success on the mat and how committed they are to getting there together. I'm looking forward to getting in the room, scrapping with the guys and doing everything I can to help them reach their goals."
Brignola comes to Princeton after capping off an illustrious career at Lehigh this past May.
"I'm thrilled to welcome Max to the staff. He comes from a very successful program at Lehigh, and I'm excited to see what new ideas and methods he will bring to our program," said Head Coach Joe Dubuque. "The energy he brings and the way he carries himself will make an immediate impact."
A four-year starter, Brignola was a three-time NCAA Championship qualifier, advancing to the Round of 12 at the 2026 NCAA Championships as he closed out a collegiate career that also included U23 All-American honors.
A two-time EIWA finalist, Brignola claimed the 2026 EIWA Championship and served as team captain that season, leading Lehigh's program both on and off the mat. He was named the J. Daniel Nolan Freshman Athlete of the Year, received both the Lehigh Athletics Distinguished Achievement Award and The Lehigh Wrestling Coaches Award, and was named a finalist for the John A. Cable Leadership Award.
He also competed in the 2026 NCWA All-Star Classic, representing Lehigh among the nation's top wrestlers.
A native of Fair Haven, N.J., he wrestled at Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, where he was a four-time state qualifier and two-time state placewinner. Brignola won the 2021 regional champion title and was a two-time district champion, finishing his prep career with a 124-21 record while serving three years as team captain.
Off the mat, Brignola graduated from Lehigh with a degree in Finance from the College of Business, reflecting the same discipline and drive that defined his wrestling career.
"I'm excited to be part of this program," said Brignola. "From my first conversations with the coaches, it was clear how much they value success on the mat and how committed they are to getting there together. I'm looking forward to getting in the room, scrapping with the guys and doing everything I can to help them reach their goals."
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