ELON, N.C. – The Elon University men's soccer program and head coach Darren Powell announced the addition of former Phoenix standout Brad Franks to the team's coaching staff on Wednesday, March 19. Franks will join fourth-year assistant Jonathan Potter on Powell's staff.
 
"Both J.P. and I welcome Brad to our full time staff this spring," said Powell. "Brad had a wonderful career at Elon and we are excited to have him back and help him develop into a top young coach. His influence and passion for our program is evident for us all to see. It is always a pleasure to have a former player return to the program as a coach as they know first hand the inner workings of the program. We are sure Brad will help shape and guide the current players and future players with some great insight."
 
Franks rejoins the Phoenix after spending a year as an assistant coach at High Point University during the 2013 season. He was also a volunteer assistant for the Panthers for two seasons from 2011-12. Franks also worked at Wake Forest as a volunteer assistant during the 2013 spring campaign.
 
A four-year starter under Powell at Elon from 2007-10, Franks appeared in 77 matches for the Phoenix and tallied 22 points on five goals and 12 assists throughout his career. He earned first team All-Southern Conference as a senior and second team accolades as a junior.
 
"I am extremely thrilled to be coming back to my alma mater," said Franks. "Thanks to Mr. (Dave) Blank and Coach Powell for giving me the opportunity to return to Elon. I started here in 2007 and to see where Darren has taken the program since then is amazing but not surprising. I am excited to continue moving the program forward while learning as much as possible from the coaching staff. A huge thanks to Dustin Fonder and High Point University and Jay Vidovich of Wake Forest University for the opportunity to start my coaching career."
 
Franks earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Elon in sport and event management in 2011. He also holds a National Diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).