Last year, Matt Elofson was the interim coach. This year, the program is his, no strings attached.
Azusa Pacific Athletic Director Bill Odell named Elofson the fifth head coach in Azusa Pacific women's basketball history last spring after he enjoyed a fine rookie campaign.
The East Coast native inherited the reigns of the program prior to last year on interim basis when former head coach Danielle Jorgenson stepped aside for what was supposed to be a temporary one-year leave of absence. Jorgenson decided not to return, and Elofson took over.
Immediately, he blossomed in his first collegiate head coaching assignment, guiding a veteran set of Cougars to a 25-8 mark, a second straight GSAC championship and a final NAIA ranking of No. 22. He also led the Cougars to a third straight GSAC Tournament championship where the Cougars defeated regular-season co-champion Fresno Pacific, 73-62, to become the first GSAC basketball program, men's or women's, to win 3 straight tournaments. The Cougars also advanced to their third straight NAIA Tournament appearance, falling in the first round to Brescia (Ky.), 53-52. The 25 wins are the most by an Azusa Pacific first-year head coach.
However, 8 players are gone from last year's squad, including all 5 starters. He has reloaded with 5 newcomers, 2 transfers and 3 freshmen, including a pair of multiple All-CIF selections, all of who bring strong credentials to the program.
His other coaching endeavors include time at Western Christian High School where he led the junior high boys' team to an undefeated 1995 season. Elofson also organized and developed the Total Impact Basketball Camp for boys and girls between the ages of 10-14. The camp included such players as former UCLA guards Cameron Dollar and Brad Holland as well as current NCAA coaches Lorenzo Romar (Washington) and Mark Gottfried (Alabama).
Elofson graduated from Southeastern College in Florida in 1989 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. He lettered 4 years in basketball and served as a captain during his senior season.
Matt prepped at Brockton (Mass.) Christian Regional High School from which he graduated in 1985. A 3-year starter, he is the school's all-time scorer with 1,250 points. Elofson also lettered in indoor and outdoor soccer at Brockton Christian.
In 1992 Elofson earned a Master's degree in youth ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. After graduate school, he served as the junior high and high school youth pastor from 1992-98 at Covina Assembly of God.
Elofson, 35, completed his second Master's degree in Biblical Studies from Fuller in 1999 and is currently working on a Ph.D. in Practical Theology.
Matt and his wife, Lisa, currently reside in Azusa.
