INDIANA, Pa. – IUP track and field has announced the addition of Brayan Elias to its coaching staff, bringing collegiate coaching, recruiting and sports performance experience to the Crimson Hawks.
"Bringing Coach Brayan to Indiana was an easy decision," IUP Director of Cross Country and Track and Field Patrick Gildea said. "He'll work with our student-athletes, meet them where they're at and get the most out of them, which will ultimately lead to podium finishes."
Elias comes to IUP following three seasons at the College of Charleston, where he served as an assistant track coach working primarily with the program's sprints, hurdles and relays. Elias also served as the program's recruiting coordinator from 2024-26.
During his time at Charleston, the Cougars produced multiple program records in the sprint and relay events along with more than five top-10 conference marks. Elias helped recruit and sign a freshman class that made an immediate impact, producing program records and more than five top-10 marks in school history during its first collegiate season.
Among the athletes coached by Elias was Kaitlynn Bailey, who established school records in the indoor 60 meters (7.69 seconds), outdoor 100 meters (11.70) and outdoor 200 meters (24.30). Emma Townsend climbed the program's all-time lists in multiple events, including the 60, 200 and 400 meters, while Emily Kreek posted top-five program marks in both the 60-meter and 100-meter hurdles.
Caroline Cassidy also recorded the second-fastest 400-meter hurdles time in program history at 1:01.98.
Charleston's sprint group continued its success during the 2026 season. Freshman Trinity Jones established program records in the indoor 400 meters (56.67) and outdoor 400 meters (55.75) while moving into second on the school's all-time outdoor 200-meter list at 24.62. Freshman Jackie Sides recorded the second-fastest 100-meter time in program history at 12.14, while Townsend moved into third all-time in the outdoor 200 at 24.84.
The Cougars' 4x100-meter relay posted a season-best time of 47.19 seconds, ranking among the top eight in the Coastal Athletic Association.
In addition to coaching, Elias was heavily involved in Charleston's recruiting and day-to-day operations. He coordinated recruiting visits, maintained prospect lists and assisted with practice planning, meet operations, team travel and event scheduling.
Elias incorporated video analysis and performance data into training while working alongside sports medicine and sports science staffs on conditioning and injury-prevention strategies.
Elias also founded Cougar Track Fest, a fundraising initiative that generated revenue for team expenses and facility improvements. The event grew from approximately $900 in revenue in 2024 to more than $2,000 by November 2025.
Outside the collegiate ranks, Elias has worked as a sports performance specialist with Elite Athletic Performance since 2021. In that role, he has trained athletes competing professionally in the NBA, Canadian Football League and professional track and field. Elias has also worked directly with collegiate athletes who have gone on to compete at Brown, Coastal Carolina and Tufts.
Elias is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in nutrition and dietetics from South Carolina State University and is expected to complete the degree in May 2027.
He holds a Performance Enhancement Specialization through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and a U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association TFA 320 Sprint, Hurdle and Relay Event Specialist certification.
