Kari 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.
Â
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.
Â
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.
Â
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.
