LA MIRADA, Calif. --- Following almost two decades of service at Biola University, including time as the head coach of both Biola Women's Soccer and Biola Men's Soccer,
Todd Elkins stepped down from his position Tuesday, November 19, 2019.
"I have been incredibly blessed to coach at Biola for 16 seasons," said Elkins. "I would like to thank coach
Dr. Dave Holmquist for hiring me and believing in me."
The 2019 Biola Men's Soccer season ended this past Saturday with a thrilling 2-1 win up at Fresno Pacific helping the Eagles go 8-7-1 overall and 6-3-2 in PacWest Conference play in Elkins' final season.
"Todd Elkins has been a devoted coach and mentor to countless student-athletes," said Bethany Miller, senior director of athletics. "He has been a beloved member of our athletics staff and will be missed for his kindness, sense of humor and wise perspective. We wish him and his family the best."
Elkins joined that Biola in August 2001 as an assistant coach. He took over the reins of the women's program in 2008 and went 61-46-15 overall between 2008 and 2014. He coached both the men's and women's teams in 2013 and 2014 before Erin Brunelle took over as head coach of the women's team in 2015, leaving Elkins to focus solely on the men.
In his seven seasons at the helm of the men's team, he compiled a 70-44-14 mark, giving him an all-time coaching record of 131-90-29 (.582).
He led the men to a GSAC Championship and GSAC Tournament Championship in 2015, helping the team reach NAIA Nationals for just the fifth time in its 70+ year history. He earned Golden State Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors that year and saw his senior captain Joey O'Keefe earn NAIA All-American first team.
In his first year serving as the men's coach (2013) Elkins also led the men to a GSAC Tournament Finals appearance. They lost 3-2 to Concordia Irvine to come one goal shy of having an NAIA Nationals appearance that year also.
"Over his long career at Biola Coach Elkins has exemplified what it means for a coach to care for their student-athletes," said Eddie Shepard, associate athletic director. "It was a blessing for me to see the impact that he made on all of his student-athletes lives. I am praying for the best for him and his family as they move forward from Biola."
Elkins has also been a major part of the surrounding soccer community, serving many years with the So. Cal Seahorses. The Seahorses are a competitive, ministry-focused PDL team that serves with Missionary Athletes International and hosts youth camps and plays games at Biola's Al Barbour Field. Through the Seahorses organization, Elkins led both the men's and women's teams at Biola on several mission trips to Japan.
"Words cannot describe the feelings of great sadness that my family and I feel as we say goodbye to Biola," said Elkins. "The amazing men and women that I have had the privilege to coach mean the world to me and will be the most precious memories I will take with me."
Biola will begin a national search for a new head coach beginning shortly. More information will be made available at the Biola Human Resources website in December 2019.
