The Elon University Phoenix Men’s Soccer team, much like its mascot, is a program on the rise. Founded in 1972 as a member of the NAIA, the team moved to NCAA Division II in 1989 and finally to NCAA Division I in 1999. The program is currently under the direction of head coach Darren Powell, who has led the Phoenix to a .500 or better record in each of his 5 seasons at the helm. Powell also led Elon Soccer to its first conference championship in 2008, as the team captured the Southern Conference regular season crown. This was followed up in 2009 with the team's first appearance in the SoCon Championship game. Though Elon fell short in that game, the program has made strides from its humble 3–14 introduction to Division I in 1999. The team joined the Colonial Athletic Association July 1, 20