LA MIRADA --- Biola University Athletics announces it's elevated associate head coach and former Eagle Malik Shaheed to serve as the next head coach of the Biola Men's Soccer program. Shaheed succeeds Joey O'Keefe, who departs Biola to join the men's soccer coaching staff at UCLA.

Shaheed's appointment provides continuity for a program and group of student-athletes he already knows well. He returned to Biola as associate head coach in 2025 after finishing his collegiate playing career with the Eagles.

"I'm incredibly blessed and grateful for the opportunity to steward the head coach role for the Biola Men's Soccer program," Shaheed said. "Biola has played such a significant role in my life — as a graduate student-athlete, associate head coach and now head coach — and I'm honored to continue building on the strong foundation Coach Joey O'Keefe poured his life into establishing ever since I had the opportunity to play for him."

"We are thrilled to have such an experienced and capable coach already on our staff and ready to take on the leadership of this program," said Eddie Shepard, senior associate athletic director. "Malik brings a level of hard work, spiritual maturity, and soccer expertise that will allow him to continue to push our men's soccer program to compete with the fierce excellence they are known for. We are excited to see him thrive in this new role!"

A native of Texas, Shaheed began his collegiate playing career at Lipscomb University, where he twice led the Bisons in points and helped the program capture ASUN championships and make multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. He later transferred to Biola, serving as a team captain, earning all-conference recognition and helping lead the Eagles to the program's first national tournament appearance. 

Following his collegiate career, Shaheed competed professionally in the National Independent Soccer Association. His professional experience included time with Bay Cities FC and Flower City Union, where he was part of a 2023 NISA championship team. 

Shaheed's coaching résumé includes collegiate experience at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, which earned American Southwest Conference Coaching Staff of the Year recognition during his tenure. 

He has also coached at Lipscomb Academy, La Mirada High School and Pacifica Christian High School, helping guide Pacifica Christian to a San Joaquin League championship, a CIF Southern Section Division 8 finals appearance and its first state regional tournament berth. 

In 2026, he also served as an assistant coach for the SoCal Eagles of the Women's Premier Soccer League.

"Soccer has given me incredible opportunities to grow, not only as a player and coach, but as a person and especially within my faith," Shaheed said. "Throughout every stage of my journey, I've been blessed by coaches who have not only grown me as a player but invested in me far beyond the game itself. My hope is to provide that same experience for our players." 

Shaheed said he wants the Eagles to pursue excellence through authentic relationships, daily discipline and a shared commitment to something greater than themselves.

"My desire is that every player who comes through this program leaves better prepared for life because of his time at Biola," Shaheed said. "I'm excited to continue investing in and building up these young men, competing at a high level, and, above all else, pursuing excellence in a way that reflects Christ in everything we do."

Shaheed resides in Hacienda Heights with his wife, Cristina. They attend Southlands Church Brea.