NASHVILLE – Trevecca Nazarene University cross country and track and field head coach Austin Selby announces plans to step down from his position effective May 15, following the completion of the 2026 track and field season.

Selby, who becomes the fourth head coach in the history of the cross country program and the first head coach of track and field prior to the 2013-14 academic year, leaves a lasting impact on all four programs after 13 years of leadership.

Trevecca Director of Athletics Mark Elliott said, "I am personally and professionally grateful for the 13 years Austin Selby has given to Trevecca as our cross country and track and field coach. Austin's heart has always been centered on Christian discipleship. He came to us from the mission field and is now essentially returning to that calling.

"Austin poured himself into our student-athletes and into building our young cross country program. He also built our track and field program from the ground up. In doing so, he also enhanced the university's enrollment while operating with limited resources."

In his first season, Selby elevates the level of the cross country program and later that year launches Trevecca's first track and field teams. His early work sets the tone for sustained growth, development and competitiveness across all six programs. That trajectory is evident immediately, including a breakthrough performance at the 2013 Queen City Invitational, where the top five women's runners each surpass the previous school record in the 5K, led by Katie Hix.

Selby said, "I want to thank Trevecca president Dr. Dan Boone and Director of Athletics Mark Elliott for the opportunity to be part of the Trevecca community and to help establish what will be a long, enduring track and field program of excellence. I want to thank my wife, Shawna, for her selflessness, as I spent many days and nights out of town and on the road. Her and my family's support made the last 13 years possible.

"I also thank the many student-athletes who said yes to Trevecca and trusted us and the process, TNU track is what it is because of the foundation they built here on the Hill. To my fellow TNU head coaches, you have been a great source of encouragement and development, and I am grateful for each of you."

Under Selby's leadership, Trevecca develops into a multi-disciplined program with more than 60 student-athletes, made more impressive as he does so while operating without a home track and field facility. His tenure includes the program's first NCAA Division II Championships participants, multiple Great Midwest Athletic Conference individual honors and the program's first Gulf South Conference championship.

Selby walks alongside one of his student-athletes, Michael Pretorius, during his battle with cancer and prioritizes honoring Pretorius' legacy following his passing. The Trojans continue to honor Pretorius with their home meet each fall, the Michael Pretorius Cross Country Invitational.

The Trevecca athletic department, with the support of Selby, names its most prestigious yearly honor the Michael Pretorius Award, presented at the Trevecca TROJY Awards each spring. The award honors a student-athlete who demonstrates selfless courage, principled faith and moral conviction. The recipient displays an ability to respond to adversity in a Christ-like manner that goes beyond natural abilities while embodying the spirit of Michael Pretorius.

Selby's tenure is marked by individual and team success across multiple seasons. Trevecca student-athletes earn numerous conference honors, including Logan Rodgers being named G-MAC Cross Country Runner of the Year and advancing to NCAA regional competition, and Caroline Hampton earning both Runner of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors before advancing to the NCAA Division II Cross Country Championships.

On the track, Rodgers and Ben Moroney each earn conference Indoor Runner of the Year honors, with Moroney also securing Outdoor Runner of the Year recognition. Hampton adds Indoor Runner of the Year honors on the women's side, highlighting the program's balanced success.

Josh Winskie and Logan Rodgers earn G-MAC Cross Country Freshman of the Year honors in back-to-back seasons. Selby is recognized as the 2014 G-MAC Cross Country Coach of the Year. Logan Rodgers, Camren Warner, Lucas Baggott, Caroline Hampton and Zion Griffin record NCAA Division II provisional national qualifying marks during the Selby era.

Recent success includes Zion Griffin becoming the first Trevecca student-athlete to capture a Gulf South Conference championship, winning the 100m dash at the 2025 GSC Outdoor Championships.

When the Trojans transition from the G-MAC to the GSC, Selby is tied for the longest-tenured head coach in G-MAC history and remains second on that list.

Prior to Trevecca, Selby coaches at Arlington High School and Independence High School, where he leads teams to TSSAA state success and helps multiple student-athletes earn NCAA scholarships. He also spends seven years working with Campus Crusade for Christ, including international service in Kyrgyzstan.

Selby is a graduate of the University of Memphis and holds advanced degrees in teaching and business administration. He and his wife, Shawna, have eight children: Cade, David, Jonathan, Sadie, Gray, Helena, Maggie and Thoreau.

Selby plans to return to ministry work following the conclusion of the track and field season.

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