Hall of Fame
With 94 victories, Darren Powell is Elon’s all-time winningest men’s soccer coach as he led the program to three NCAA Tournament appearances in his nine seasons.
The program won three consecutive Southern Conference Tournament championships from 2011-13, outscoring opponents 17-6 over the nine games during that stretch. The 2012 and 2013 teams both won a Division I program record 15 games and the 2013 team stunned No. 24 Clemson in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, advancing via a 4-1 victory in penalty kicks. Elon’s Jason Waterman put Elon ahead in the second half before Clemson answered 11 minutes later. The Phoenix was then perfect in four PK chances, while Clemson missed on its second and third tries. Waterman scored the match-clinching penalty kick.
In his second year leading the program, the men’s soccer team earned its first Division I national ranking, appearing as high as No. 22 in the Soccer America poll after starting the year 6-1-0, including a 2-0 victory over then-No. 17 UAB. That 2006 team was the first to finish with a winning record since moving to NCAA Division I in 1999.
Powell was named Southern Conference Coach of the Year four times and led Elon to four league titles, posting a perfect 7-0 league mark in 2008 to the 2011-13 titles. During Powell’s tenure, the Elon men’s soccer program produced 45 All-SoCon players, four conference players of the year, two league freshmen of the year, and six individuals who went on to play professionally.
Powell graduated from UNC Greensboro in 1995 with a bachelor’s degree in leisure studies. He and his wife, Elise, have two children – Naomi and Caleb.
