KANSAS CITY, Mo—Spurgeon College is excited to announce the hiring of Brooklynn Elder as the new head women’s soccer coach.
Elder joins the team with an impressive coaching resume, bringing a wealth of experience in both collegiate and club soccer as well as international coaching experience.
“Finding the right coach for any team can be hard, but finding the right coach with the right Christian convictions is harder still,” said President Jason Allen. “That is why I am excited that Brooklynn Elder has decided to lead our women’s soccer team at Spurgeon College. She brings passion, conviction, and expertise, and I am grateful she will be leading and mentoring our girls. I also want to say thank you to Jenn Will for her leadership over the past couple of years as she established our soccer program.”
For the past three years, Elder has served as an assistant coach at Avila University, where she contributed to the development of the women’s soccer program. Additionally, Elder is actively involved in coaching at Christ Prep Academy in Lenexa, Kansas, where she works with young Christian athletes, further demonstrating her commitment to fostering talent and creating a positive impact on the soccer community.
Sharing her excitement for her new role, Elder said, “I truly believe God called me here at this time to invest into Spurgeon College Athletics and the young women who are, and will be, a part of our team.”
Elder’s coaching experience extends beyond the United States as she spent the 2018–2020 seasons working with the Derby County Futsal Club in the United Kingdom, where she honed her skills and brought a global perspective to her coaching approach. Before her time at Derby County, Elder was an assistant coach at Missouri Southern State University, where she helped lead the women’s soccer program for two seasons.
A former player herself, Elder’s athletic career has been nothing short of remarkable. She played collegiate soccer at several institutions, including the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom, Bethany College in Kansas, Colorado Mesa University, and Johnson County Community College. While at Bethany, Elder was not only a standout soccer player but also a member of the school’s basketball and track programs, showcasing her versatility as an athlete. Her experience as a multi-sport athlete has played a key role in shaping her coaching philosophy, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and resilience.
Currently, Elder is working on her USSF “D” License, continuing to expand her coaching knowledge and qualifications. Her dedication to professional development and her passion for the game make her a perfect fit for the head women’s soccer coach position at Spurgeon College.
“We are thrilled to welcome Brooklynn Elder to Spurgeon College,” said Matt Risher, director of athletics. “Her diverse coaching experience, combined with her leadership skills and her commitment to disciple student-athletes, will be invaluable as we continue to grow and develop our women’s soccer program. We are confident that under her guidance, our program will reach new heights.”
The culture and community of Spurgeon College were key factors in drawing Elder to coach for the Knights.
“It took one phone call with Matt Risher for me to know this was the place I needed to be,” she said. “The culture that the school and Coach Risher have created here at Spurgeon College is truly like a family, and there is a tremendous amount of support and potential for the women’s soccer program here.”
Elder shared her top priorities as she steps into the role, focusing on the importance of investing in students and the Spurgeon College community. “Top three priorities would include building a relationship with the current members of the team and building a strong foundation together over the spring, as well as recruiting for the 2025 class and learning more and getting thoroughly involved in all that Midwestern Seminary and Spurgeon College have to offer in the community.”
Elder’s hiring marks an exciting new chapter for the Spurgeon College women’s soccer team, and the Spurgeon College community is looking forward to seeing her leadership and vision take the program to the next level.
“I’m excited to grow in this upward step in my career as a collegiate head coach, and I’m especially grateful to be doing it in a Christ-centered environment,” Elder said.
To learn more about Spurgeon College, visit spurgeoncollege.com.
