Education

• M.F.A,  New Mexico State University (NMSU) 2002; Las Cruces, NM
• B.A.,  North Park College 1980; Chicago, IL

Writing and Publications:

Rus Bradburd is the author of four books: “All the Dreams We’ve Dreamed,” (Chicago Review Press, 2018) an examination of gun violence in Chicago; the novel-in-stories “Make It, Take It” (Cinco Puntos Press, 2014); the controversial “Forty Minutes of Hell” (HarperCollins/Amistad Books, 2010); and the memoir “Paddy on the Hardwood: A Journey in Irish Hoops” (University of New Mexico Press, 2006). His short stories have appeared in Southern Review, Colorado Review, Puerto del Sol, and Aethlon. His essays have appeared in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Chicago’s Daily Southtown, The El Paso Times, Las Cruces Sun-News, and The Houston Chronicle. He is a regular contributor to SLAM Magazine and New Mexico Magazine.

Professional Experience:

Bradburd walked away from the glamorous world of college basketball after coaching 14 seasons at UTEP and New Mexico State. He is the founder and director of “Basketball in the Barrio,” a free summer program in El Paso’s poorest neighborhood. His program inspired an award-winning documentary film,  comprises a chapter of David Zirin’s book, Welcome to the Terrordome: the Pain, Politics, and Promise of Sport, has been featured nationally on NPR’s weekend edition, and won the 2008 NMSU “Social Justice Award.”

He has been a Bread Loaf Fellow and has taught at the Taos Summer Writers Workshop.

He’s married to the poet Connie Voisine.

Contact: coachrus@hotmail.com or 575-646-2949