Biola University women's soccer coach Todd Elkins is stepping up to oversee both the men's and women's soccer programs beginning next season as Biola men's soccer Head Coach Bryan Kuderman is stepping down from his position after 11 years at the helm.

“I am excited that Todd Elkins will assume the full time position of directing our men's and women's soccer teams,” said Holmquist. “He is a proven coach who teaches the game effectively and relates well to his players. Having worked at Biola for many years, he is well known by both students and staff. The depth of his Christian character and concern for his student athletes have combined to make him a highly respected member of our athletic department. All of our coaches and staff members are enthusiastic about working with Todd and we look forward to seeing the impact that he will have with his student athletes.”

Kuderman is leaving with the highest winning percentage of any coach in the program's 53-year history.

Kuderman posted a record of 115-75-17 in 11 seasons (.597 winning percentage), averaging just over 10 wins a season. During his time at Biola, the Eagles finished with a .500 or better record in all but two seasons, won 13 or more matches three times and reached the NAIA National Championship tournament twice.

“Bryan did an excellent job as our men's soccer coach,” said Biola Athletic Director Dr. Dave Holmquist. “He gave consistent energy to the program and worked hard to make needed improvements. He built strong relationships with his players, recruited well, and produced a number of successful teams. The 2011 season was especially memorable, as his underdog team won three consecutive road games to earn the GSAC Tournament Championship and qualify for the NAIA National Tournament. This accomplishment is reflective not only of his capacity to teach the game, but also, of his ability to motivate and bring out the best in his players.”

“When all is said and done, I have met some absolutely fantastic people as a result of being a coach at Biola,” said Kuderman. “My life is absolutely better as a result of knowing each player. I'm excited to see where God will lead me next.”

Kuderman guided the Eagles to the NAIA Tournament twice, matching the team's total in the previous 42 seasons of competition. In 2009, Kuderman guided Biola to its best-ever national finish as the Eagles reached the NAIA Quarterfinals. Biola posted a 13-5-3 overall record–among the best in school history–and went 7-2-1 in GSAC play. After earning an at-large berth, the Eagles pulled out a shootout win in the first round of the NAIA National Tournament at Texas-Brownsville, then repeated the feat with a shootout victory over Hastings (Neb.) before falling 4-0 to No. 3 Rio Grande (Ohio) in the quarterfinals.

Biola returned to the NAIA tournament in 2011 with an incredible run at the end of the year. After a mid-season stretch which saw the Eagles go 2-4-2 and fall to 2-4-0 in GSAC play, Kuderman helped Biola rebound and win three-straight to end the regular season in fifth place. The Eagles then won three-straight road games in the GSAC Tournament including winning the tournament title with a 3-2 overtime win at rival Concordia. The victory clinched Biola's second trip to the NAIA tournament in three years where Biola lost in a shootout at Hannibal-LeGrange University (Mo.) in the opening round.

Kuderman wasted no time turning around a program which won just two matches the year before his arrival. In 2002, the Eagles won 15 games, claimed their first GSAC title and reached the NAIA Regional semifinals before bowing out.

A graduate of California Baptist University, Kuderman spent two seasons as the assistant coach for his alma mater from 1996-98. After that, he served two seasons as the assistant at NCAA Division II Cal State San Bernardino. Two years later, Kuderman was selected as the head coach at Biola, his first head coaching job.

Written by Jeff Hoffman. For more information, contact Jenna Bartlo, Media Relations Specialist, at 562.777.4061 or jenna.l.bartlo@biola.edu.