TACOMA, Wash. — The Pacific Lutheran University Athletic Department and Athletic Director Mike Snyder are excited to announce the appointment of Francis Reynolds as the permanent Head Cross Country Coach for the Lutes. 
 
"Francis has done an excellent job since coming on board this fall as the interim coach. He immediately embraced the role and made it his own by engaging with alumni, adjusting training, and making connections within the PLU campus community," said Mike Snyder.

"The distance student-athletes have seen marked improvements throughout the year and much of that comes from the guidance and vision that Coach Reynolds provides. We're thrilled to find the right fit for our program moving forward and I'm excited for the ongoing growth of the programs under his leadership." 

Reynolds served the past year on an interim basis. His stint saw eight of the men's cross country team's 10 runners that raced in the fall earn personal bests in the 8,000-meter distance while nine registered personal best efforts in the 5,000-meter distance. On the women's side, 11 of the squad's 14 runners achieved personal bests in the 6,000-meter distance during the 2025 campaign. 
 
"I'm so fortunate to continue this journey as the steward for the cross country and distance programs at PLU. My utmost thanks to Mike Snyder for his trust and belief in me to manage these programs. I've had an exciting first year, and I'm looking forward to developing student-athletes and building this program for years to come," said Reynolds. 

In addition to his role as head cross country coach, Reynolds will continue to serve as an assistant track & field coach in the spring. 

"I'm excited to have Coach Reynolds joining us in a full time role moving forward. He has a tremendous passion for the sport and developing runners to reach their full potential," said Head Track & Field Coach Trey Henderson. 
 
"Having competed in the conference himself, he has a deep understanding of the student-athlete experience and how to best support our student-athletes both on and off the track. I know he will work as hard as possible to continue to elevate both the cross country and track programs and I'm looking forward to continuing that work together!"

Reynolds came to PLU last fall 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.
 
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 2019 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 in 2011. Reynolds is USATF Level 1 Certified and is a board member of the Tacoma City Running Club.