Gudjonsson Named Men’s Soccer Coach
Author: James Hagler
Posted: Thursday, August 7, 2014 4:00 AM
Categories:
Athletics | Pressroom | Faculty/Staff
Macon, GA
Gudjonsson brings NAIA experience to the program having spent four years as a player and two years as a Graduate Assistant with Southern States Athletic Conference opponent Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM). He holds both his Bachelors degree in Physical Education and Masters in Sports Management from AUM.
In his time at AUM as a player, he was named to the All-Conference team three times and All-America Team once. He helped his teams to one runner-up finish and two final four appearances in four trips to the National Tournament. He also helped the team to three conference championships in the SSAC. After his time at AUM, he returned to his home in Iceland as a teacher and coach as well as playing semi-professional soccer in Iceland.
As a Graduate Assistant at AUM, Elvar was an assistant for the men’s and women’s teams for one year and men only the second year. The men’s team reached the Elite Eight in 2012 and Finals in 2013 of the NAIA National Tournament. Gudjonsson spent the 2013-14 year as the Head Women’s Coach at Montgomery Academy in Montgomery, Alabama where he led the team to the Alabama Private School State Championship.
Gudjonsson stated, “I am extremely honored and proud to be trusted with the task of taking over the program in the transition from NJCAA to NAIA and to be a part of the SSAC which is one of the strongest conferences in the country. I am excited to work with all the returning and incoming players Coach Gill has provided through his recruitment and coaching the past several years at MGSC. I am also happy to be at such a beautiful and welcoming campus that has been so helpful to me so far.”
Athletic Director, Charles Mullis said about the hire, “Elvar’s background and experience in international soccer as well as his experience with one of the top programs from the NAIA and SSAC makes a great fit for our program as new members of the NAIA and SSAC.”
Vinny Gill, who has been the head coach of both the men’s and women’s team for seven seasons, will now coach the women only as the programs are transitioning to NAIA competition and demands on coaching become greater.