Sports: TVCC introduces new women's soccer coach
Jan. 20—The new head of Trinity Valley Lady Cards soccer said he intends to build a program that will challenge ranked programs in the area, but there's work to be done.
Jimmy Elder was introduced at a press conference at TVCC gym on Wednesday.
"I'm excited to take over the team," Elder said. "I've got a lot of good resources here at Cardinal Nation."
Elder is a native Texan who comes from Brookhaven College in Farmers Branch, where he coached from 2015 to 2023, winning five National Junior College Athletic Association national championships.
He said he has a steep mountain to climb at TVCC, but he's been working toward it since he was hired.
"It's going to take quite a few quality players," Elder said. "I think that's what we need right now. The school has everything else we need."
Elder said the Lady Cards compete in one of the best conferences in the country. Nearby Tyler Junior College and Navarro College both ranked in the Top 10 last year. Elder said he plans to make it three.
"Texas is one of the most competitive soccer states in the country," Elder said. "We're close to Dallas. Dallas is one of the top three soccer cities in the country, so we have a lot of talent in this area."
Also present at the press conference were four new recruits who've signed recently.
Elder is a former professional soccer player. He had seasons with the Oklahoma City Slickers, the Dallas Americans and the Houston Dynamo.
In college Elder played at Midwestern State, where he was a captain for three years, leading the team to national rankings and a trip to the national championship tournament. He was selected to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics All-Area Teams in 1979, 1980 and 1981.
