HOUGHTON, N.Y. – Houghton University Athletics has announced the appointment of Kari Elliott as the new head coach of the Highlanders' cross country program. Elliott brings nearly a decade of collegiate coaching experience, a strong record of competitive success, and a demonstrated commitment to holistic student-athlete development.
 
Elliott inherits the program from Patrick Hager, who has taken another position at the University after 12 seasons as head coach.
 
Elliott joins Houghton after serving as head coach of cross country and track & field at Oglethorpe University since 2023. During her tenure, she coached multiple conference champions and All-Conference performers, guided two male distance athletes to qualification for the NCAA Division III Championships, and developed the first All-American in school history at the NCAA Division III Indoor Track Championships.
 
"We are thrilled to welcome Coach Elliott to the Houghton community," said Director of Athletics Matthew Webb. "She is a proven leader with a history of recruiting and building competitive programs and caring deeply for her student-athletes. What stood out most throughout the process was how naturally she integrates her faith into her coaching philosophy. Her commitment to investing in her athletes not only as runners, but most importantly as young men and women, aligns perfectly with Houghton's mission and our department's desire to integrate faith, learning, and athletics in meaningful ways."
 
Prior to Oglethorpe, Elliott served as head coach of cross country at Agnes Scott College, where she significantly improved conference performance in her first season, while also teaching in the physical education department. She previously led highly successful men's and women's programs at Red Deer Polytechnic in Alberta, Canada, earning multiple regional championships, national podium finishes, and several Coach of the Year honors.
 
"It is a great privilege to be joining the Highlander family as head cross country coach.  I would like to thank Director Matthew Webb and the athletics team for inviting me onto campus and showing me what a fantastic place Houghton University is both to attend as a student-athlete and to work," said Elliott. "It is evident from the indoor and outdoor track facilities to the Field of Dreams cross country course that Houghton University has invested in these programs. This is an amazing place to train distance runners and I am grateful to inherit such a strong program. I look forward to meeting with student-athletes and leaning into the work of building trust and team culture. Go Highlanders!"
 
Elliott holds a Master of Education in Coaching Studies from the University of Victoria and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Belhaven University, where she graduated magna cum laude. She also maintains numerous coaching and fitness certifications, including USATF Level 1.
 
A lifelong runner, Elliott has competed nationally and internationally, qualifying for NAIA Cross Country Nationals and earning multiple marathon victories. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes long-term development, academic success, mental and physical well-being, and building a strong, supportive team culture.
 
Elliott will begin her duties on June 1 and will lead the Highlanders into the fall cross country season.