Elon’s Darren Powell Resigns as Head Men’s Soccer Coach

ELON, N.C. – Elon University head men’s soccer coach Darren Powell has resigned his position to accept a coaching position with the Orlando City Soccer Club, Elon Director of Athletics Dave Blank announced on April 3, 2014.

A national search for Powell’s successor will begin immediately.

“Darren Powell has been a fantastic leader, mentor, and role model for our men’s soccer team during his time here at Elon. One of his personal goals has been to coach within the professional level of soccer, and we are very excited for Darren that he has this opportunity,” said Blank. “Darren has helped the Elon men’s soccer program reach incredible heights over the last several years and he has had a tremendous impact on the Elon student-athletes that he has coached. He will be missed, but we wish him and his family the best of luck in Orlando.”

Powell led Elon to its third straight Southern Conference Tournament title and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2013, as the Phoenix became only the second school in SoCon history to win three consecutive tournament crowns. Overall, the Phoenix captured SoCon regular-season titles in 2008 and 2012 and tournament championships in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

“I want to thank all the current Elon student-athletes and alumni I have coached within our program,” said Powell. “The effort and commitment from our student-athletes has been fantastic and has taken this program forward. Without their help this opportunity would not have been possible. The team is in a great position and the current group of players continue to improve every day.”

“I am very gracious to President Lambert, Dr. White and Clay Hassard for giving me the opportunity in 2005 to coach the team,” added Powell. “I would also like to thank Dave Blank and Kyle Wills for their support in recent years, as well as the assistant coaches and support staff throughout my time at Elon, who have all been so supportive, friendly and a pleasure to have worked with. My family and I are excited for the new challenge and opportunity at Orlando City. I look forward to meeting and working with all the staff and players in Orlando as soon as possible.”

Powell was named the SoCon Coach of the Year this past season for the second straight year and fourth time in his career. Powell is the program’s all-time winningest coach with a career mark of 94-68-23, including a 37-21-3 record against league competition. Powell’s .570 winning percentage ranks fifth all-time in SoCon history, while his 94 victories rank ninth in league history.

In nine seasons under Powell, the Phoenix produced 47 all-league selections, four SoCon Players of the Year, two SoCon Freshmen of the Year and four MLS Draft picks. Elon has also been consistently ranked in the national polls under Powell, finishing the 2013 season with a national ranking of No. 22. Elon was ranked as high as No. 16 in the nation during Powell’s tenure.

This past season, Powell led the maroon and gold to its first ever win in the NCAA Tournament, as the Phoenix claimed a 4-1 win in penalty kicks versus Clemson in front of the largest crowd in school history at Rudd Field. Elon eventually fell in the second round to top-seeded UCLA in Los Angeles, Calif.

The Orlando City Soccer Club is based in Orlando, Fla. Orlando City was introduced as Major League Soccer’s 21st franchise in November of 2013 and will begin competing in the MLS in 2015.