Matt Ellinger begins his second season as the Head Coach of the Men's Soccer program after taking over the role in January of 2018.
Ellinger led the Senators to five wins in his first year at the helm in 2018, and Friedrich Peter was named First Team All-GMAC.
Ellinger comes to Elkins after serving as the Associate Head Coach at Utah Valley University since the summer of 2013.
During his tenure at Utah Valley, which spans the entirety of the program's existence, the Wolverines amassed a 44-27-7 record all-time, won a WAC Championship in 2016 and were selected as an at-large team to the 2015 NCAA Tournament.
Academically, the Wolverines have garnered the NSCAA College Team Academic Award for three years and finished in the top 10 in the nation academically among DI men’s soccer programs.
Prior to Utah Valley, Ellinger was at the University of Utah where he was the head coach of the men's soccer club team. During his tenure, the Utes were regional finalists during both the 2011 and 2012 seasons.
Matt's father, John Ellinger, was the first head coach of Real Salt Lake, piloting the organization through its initial years in Major League Soccer. The younger Ellinger also spent significant time with RSL. Matt held stints as the Creative Services Manager, as well as the head coach of the U16 team, helping to establish RSL's youth development programs in Arizona and Florida.
From there, Ellinger accepted an assistant coaching position at the University of Central Arkansas. While in Conway, he spearheaded the Bears' recruiting efforts and worked intensively with training sessions. During his time at UCA, the Bears had their most successful season in this history of the program at the Division I level.
After two seasons with Central Arkansas, Ellinger returned to Utah to take on his role with the Utes program.
Ellinger has worked with both the Utah and Nevada Olympic Development Programs and has also held positions with Utah FC, Arkansas Rush and Sparta United, nationally recognized, youth soccer clubs.
Prior to his coaching career, Ellinger played collegiately for two seasons at Winthrop University in South Carolina before transferring to Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida.
Ellinger completed his bachelor's degree in graphic design and marketing at Flagler College. He also holds his U.S. Soccer 'A' License.
Matt and his wife Lori have two children, Avery and Alice, and the family resides in Elkins.
What others are saying about Matt
Rich Posipanko - Former Winthrop University Head Men’s Soccer Coach and Current Director of Operations Charlotte Independence
There is no question Davis & Elkins is getting a quality coach in Matt Ellinger. Since I have known his father John (MLS Coach) for almost 40 years and having Matt play at Winthrop, I have had the opportunity to watch him grow as a person, player and coach. Being around the game at the highest level of soccer (club, college and professional) has helped him gain a high soccer IQ. D&E is not only getting a very good coach, but a first-class person who has a great work rate and the highest integrity.
Lew Atkinson – Davis & Elkins College Men’s Soccer Alum and Hall of Fame Inductee
We are fortunate to have Matt join us as our head coach. He comes from a nationally known soccer family, has terrific experiences and will easily fit into the long line of D&E coaches that reaches back to the 1960s. Matt is the type of person who will take a strong program and grow it further. There are big things ahead for D&E soccer.
