ATLANTA – Oglethorpe director of athletics Todd Brooks on Tuesday announced Kari Elliott as the University's next head coach for the cross country and track & field program. Elliott comes to Oglethorpe most recently from across town, where she led the cross country and track & field teams and served as PE coordinator at Agnes Scott.
"I am excited to announce the appointment of Kari Elliott as our next head cross country and track & field coach," said Brooks. "It was obvious from the very beginning of our search that Kari has a true passion for coaching and a strong understanding of the need to mentor those she coaches. Coach Elliott will be an excellent colleague within our department and across the Oglethorpe University community."
Elliott is no stranger to the Atlanta area and to NCAA Division III, as she achieved quick success during her time at Agnes Scott. In one season with the Scotties, Elliott took the team from second-to-last in the 2021 USA South standings to a fifth-place finish in 2022. This marked the team's highest finish since joining the USA South in 2016.
Elliott also oversaw the physical education department at Agnes Scott, teaching one class and coordinating the courses and instructors for the department.
Prior to Agnes Scott, Elliott served as head coach of the Red Deer Polytechnic cross country/track & field program in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. In six seasons with Red Deer, Elliott's teams garnered three ACAC regional championships and three top-three CCAA national finishes. Elliott was the regional cross country coach of the year in 2016 and 2018, and the regional indoor track & field coach of the year in 2022.
In addition to her three regional coach of the year nods, Elliott also earned nomination for the Red Deer Woman of Excellence award in 2019.
"I am delighted to accept this opportunity to join the Oglethorpe University Athletics coaching staff and wider Oglethorpe community," said Elliott. "In this role as head coach, I anticipate building a cross country and track & field coaching team that will work together to grow the program to further success within the SAA, region and NCAA. Thank you to Todd Brooks, coaches, student-athletes and administration for facilitating an excellent interview process and introduction to athletics and student life at Oglethorpe. Go Petrels!"
Elliott earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 2003, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Belhaven, where she won the English award for most outstanding student. Elliott also was a varsity cross country athlete at Belhaven and qualified for the NAIA national championships her senior year. Following her undergraduate studies, Elliott enjoyed a long career of marathon and road racing with a marathon PR of 2:52.
Elliott earned her Master of Education in coaching studies in 2022 from University of Victoria in Victoria, British Columbia. She also holds NCCP Level 1 and Level 2 endurance coach certifications.
Elliott is a native of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She currently resides in Decatur, Georgia, with her husband, Ben, daughter, Flora, and their cockapoo, Rosie.
