Former Elon University men's soccer coach Darren Powell has been named head coach of the United Soccer League's new franchise in San Antonio.
The club, which begins play in March, announced the hire Thursday.
“It’s a very exciting challenge,” Powell said in a release. “To be here with Spurs Sports & Entertainment and be a part of their soccer plans on Day 1, it’s an incredible opportunity. We want to continue the tradition of success of the San Antonio Spurs, and build alongside that success with a soccer team.”
Powell, 43, spent the last two seasons as the director of Orlando City Soccer Club's Pro Academy. Under his watch, the development academy qualified for both the U-16 and U-18 U.S. Soccer playoffs in 2015.
Prior to Orlando City, Powell led Elon's program for nine years, a tenure that included three consecutive NCAA Tournament berths. The Phoenix won three Southern Conference Tournament titles and two SoCon regular season championships with him at the helm.
With 94 wins, Powell is the winningest coach in Elon history.