Coming from Lincoln, Nebraska, Eli earned his degree from Bellevue University while playing for the top-ranked men's soccer team. He began his coaching career at his alma mater, Lincoln East High School, leading the team to the State Semifinals.
While also serving as the Academy Director for Villarreal Nebraska Academy, Eli led the U19 team to a State Championship and spent time at Villarreal CF, earning his Villarreal Coach Development Program Certificate.
At age 22, Eli stepped in as Head Coach at Southeast Community College, where he spent two years helping rebuild the program and sent more players to higher levels of collegiate soccer than ever before in program history. During the summers, he also coached with West Texas FC, winning an NPSL Regular Season Championship and helping the club transition into USL League Two, which included coaching a Golden Boot winner in the club's inaugural USL2 season.
Eli, who holds his USSF B License and Advanced National Diploma, joins Felician University looking to make an impact and contribute to the program's winning culture for the 2026 season.
