Freed-Hardeman University

Jason Elliott is in his 25th season as the head men’s soccer coach at Freed-Hardeman University in 2025.  His 25 seasons include the first 22 where he was also the head coach of the women’s soccer team as well before giving that up to focus on the men’s program in the fall of ’23. He has won over 260 collegiate matches in his career.

Elliott is synonymous with FHU soccer as he was a part of the inaugural team in the fall of 2000 helping develop the program from a club team to an intercollegiate program under the direction of athletic director Charlie Smith.  He scored the first goal in school history on Sept. 16th, 2000 against Trevecca Nazarene University assisted by Clint Locke. Coming to FHU from his multiple first team 1-5A All-State background in McPherson, Kansas and extensive travel soccer throughout the Midwest. He has coached under three presidents at FHU (Sewell, Wiley, and now David Shannon), four athletic directors (Smith, Pressnell, McCuthchen, and now Jonathan Estes) and in three conferences (TranSouth, American Midwest, and now Mid-South). His steady leadership has grown the soccer programs over the years into competing at the highest level of the NAIA.  His first 12 seasons the programs had less than 4.5 scholarships while staying completive against teams that were fully funded with 12 full scholarships. Recruiting players that fit in well on campus and embrace a Christian education has served Elliott well over the years and developed a great reputation for FHU soccer.

The 1999 FHU alumnus has guided many standout seasons over his 24 years.  Some that stand out on the women’s side include the 2018 season when they defeated the top seed Missouri Baptist and ended a penalty kick away from the national tournament after a 0-0 tie with William Woods which unfortunately the missed on the 6th taker.  In 2010, the lady lions won 10 games including 7 shutouts in a row.  In 2017, the lady lions won 8 consecutive matches. In Coach Elliott’s final year coaching the women’s program in ’22 they were competitive with the top teams in the nation holding #4 Cumberland scoreless into the 80th minute and then controlling the game against a ranked Bethel team on senior day and ending in a tie 1-1in his final women’s game at the Josh Riley Soccer Complex. “Our teams on the women’s side will be remembered for their work ethic and competitive play but mostly the type of young ladies that we brought in who were great leaders both on and off the field. That is what I will always cherish,” said Elliott.

The men’s program has had many monumental seasons over his 24 years which include the school record in wins of 13 on the season twice in 2004 and in 2010. In 2010 they went on a run which included 7 shutouts including a 2-0 win over rival Union, 7-0 win over Trevecca, and a 3-0 win over Lyon in three straight conference matchups.  In 2004 they averaged 3.50 goals per game for the season. In 2005 and 2009 the Lions also averaged over three goals per game for the year. 2024 was another remarkable year where they finished 11-6-2 and competed with the top teams in the Mid-South. Elliott has won over 143 games on the men’s side alone and winning at least 7 games 12 years. The Lions finished tied for second in the strong TranSouth conference in 2010 and hosted a tournament match. He has helped transition the program into the strongest conference at NAIA level.  

During his tenure at FHU, Elliott has been highly involved with numerous fundraising and program improvements.  It started as they named the soccer complex the Josh Riley Soccer Complex in honor of his first signee and former player who saved the lives to two friends on Kentucky Lake while losing his life.  “Josh was a tremendous young man and we are so grateful to his parents Clay and LaChon and their entire family for all they have done to help our program and remember his life.  The facilities are because of them”, said Elliott. He has raised funds for permanent bleachers (100K), a permanent press box (53K), lights on the game field (83k), team dugouts (30K), improvements to the paying service of soccer, baseball, and softball fields with parking (800K), and improvements to the adjoining practice field.  Coach Elliott’s fundraising efforts with alumni and friends have impacted many of the athletic programs on campus.

Elliott has been active in summer camps that have encouraged and developed young people around the area.  They have been known as the best in the area at developing skills and character in young people each summer. He has been active in the champions of character initiatives which emphasize the core values of the NAIA.  His yearly community service with the team has shown respect, integrity, servant leadership, responsibility and sportsmanship. Elliott’s emphasis on sportsmanship has been seen over the years in the behavior of his teams on the field. The men’s soccer team won the fair play and sportsmanship award as voted by the conference coaches in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 and the women’s program won the award in 2017 and 2018.  This was the top character award in the conference and the men’s team won it 5 seasons out of the 6 seasons they were in the American Midwest Conference. In 2020-21 his women’s team received the gold standard for United Soccer for fewest yellow cards.

Elliott has coached many all-conference players over the years and been active in bringing players from all over the world and the United States.  He has coached three players who have won the Charlie Smith heart of a Lion award as the top award for FHU athletics as voted on by the coaching staff.  Emphasizing academics has been seen in the routine GPA well over 3.0 for the team.  Eight times his teams have received the team academic award from United Soccer for over a 3.25 team GPA and in 2010 they were in the top 5 nationally for women’s soccer with over a 3.72 cumulative team GPA. He has coached two Mr. FHU recipients which is voted on by the FHU faculty. Elliott has had at least four former players go on to play professional soccer at different locations.

Elliott holds the advanced national diploma from the United Soccer Coaching Association and various other licenses.  He was named the 2010-11 TranSouth Men’s Soccer Coach of the Year. 

“I am here because of my love for FHU, it’s students, and our mission.” Said Elliott. “We have worked very hard to build a program build on excellence and recruiting the right type of people that will embrace what we stand for here.  Ultimately the relationships we have built and seeing these young men and women over the years become great leaders at home, work and in the church if what matters most. We are still striving to teach how to live at FHU and soccer is a way we can change the world with these tremendous young people.”

Elliott is married to Misti and they have three children. He is a member of the Henderson church of Christ and currently serves as a deacon. When he is not busy with athletics he enjoys landscaping work and fly fishing for trout anywhere in the mountains.