TACOMA, Wash. — Pacific Lutheran University Athletic Department has announced Francis Reynolds as the interim head coach for the Lutes' men's and women's cross country programs. 
 
"I'm thrilled to welcome Francis to Luteville," said Athletic Director Mike Snyder. "He brings a strong background that includes a deep familiarity with the Northwest Conference and high school running programs in the region, and I'm excited for the new season with Coach Reynolds leading the way."
 
Reynolds joins the Lutes with experience as a competitor, coach, and administrator. Reynolds served as an assistant coach for his alma mater University of Puget Sound from 2010 to 2015 before serving as head cross country and track & field coach at Meeker Middle School in Tacoma from 2016 to 2023. He spent the 2024 cross country season as an assistant coach with Annie Wright Upper School. Reynolds concurrently worked as an administrator for Puget Sound cross country and track & field meets since graduating in 2010.
 
"I'm thrilled to be taking over as interim head cross country coach at Pacific Lutheran University," said Francis, who in addition to serving as the head coach will also serve as an assistant coach for the track & field programs in the spring. 
 
"I'd like to thank Athletic Director Mike Snyder for giving me the opportunity to guide these student-athletes in their athletic and academic pursuits, and share with them my experiences from over two decades of distance running. I know the history of the PLU cross country program and the high expectations that come with leading it, and I look forward to growing these teams into formidable forces in both the Northwest Conference and the NCAA. Go Lutes!"
 
Reynolds was a four-time All-Northwest Conference honoree in cross country competing for crosstown rival University of Puget Sound. That includes winning two NWC titles (2008 and 2009) and earning All-American honors twice at the NCAA Division III Cross Country Championships. On the track, Reynolds was the NWC Champion in the 10,000-meters in 2009 and is the Puget Sound school record holder in the indoor 5,000-meters. 
 
Reynolds continued to run after graduation, winning the Sound to Narrows 12K road race in 2017.
 
Reynolds graduated from Puget Sound in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in music while earning a master's of art's and teaching from UPS in 2011. Reynolds is USATF Level 1 Certified and is a board member of the Tacoma City Running Club. 

Reynolds and the Lutes open the 2025 season on August 30, competing at the Puget Sound Invitational. PLU hosts two home meets this fall, welcoming teams to campus on Sept. 20 for the annual PLU Invitational before hosting the 2025 NWC Championships on Nov. 1.