LA MIRADA, Calif. — Todd Elkins has been named the new head women's soccer coach at Biola University, BU Athletic Director Dave Holmquist announced on Tuesday.

Elkins becomes the fifth coach in school history, taking over the program from Mike Silzer, who resigned at the end of the season. He comes to Biola after three years as the Head Coach of the Southern California Seahorses of the Premier Development League and is no stranger to the Golden State Athletic Conference. He played four years at Westmont College, then was an assistant coach at Biola University Elkins spent one season as an assistant with the Warriors and another four years as the assistant coach at Biola under Coach Silzer.

“I have gained a strong admiration for Biola over the last few years as an assistant coach and a grad student,” said Elkins. “The four seasons coaching under Mike Silzer's leadership gave me a good feel for the program and some needed experience to help me take on this new challenge.  I appreciate Biola and the athletic department putting their confidence in me and giving me this opportunity.”

Elkins has had over 11 years of coaching experience since playing at Westmont. From 2001 to 2004, he guided the Boys Varsity team at Maranatha High School where the Minutemen posted three straight undefeated seasons in Delphi League play.

“Todd is an excellent coach and will be a very effective Christian role model for his players,” said Holmquist. “We are pleased to have him lead our women's soccer program.”

Silzer, who resigned at the end of the season to spend more time with his family, coached the Eagles for the last seven seasons and leaves as the winningest coach in the program's 16-year history with a 66-45-14 overall mark.

Biola's women's soccer team was in the midst of a rebuilding period in 2007, finishing the year with a 3-11-2 overall record with a roster which featured 11 freshman and 12 sophomores. The Eagles were 1-6-2 and placed 10th in the always-difficult Golden State Athletic Conference.