Wesleyan University

Bill Els enters his fifth season on the Cardinals' coaching staff in 2022 after spending the previous four years as the Defensive Coordinator and goalie coach at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). During his four-year tenure at RPI, the Engineers posted an overall record of 34-15 and an NCAA Division III Championship appearance in 2016. RPI won the Liberty League title in 2016 and finished the season ranked in the top-15 nationally.

Prior to his stint at RPI, Els served as the goalie coach at Connecticut College. While there, the Camels earned an NCAA Tournament berth and a top-15 ranking in 2012.

In the past seven years, Els has produced three All-Americans, one at each school, in Bobby Bleinstein (Conn. College), Alex Castronovo (RPI) and Otto Bohan '20 (Wesleyan). It was the first career All-American honor for all three athletes. 

Originally from Long Island N.Y., Els attended St. Anthony High School in Smithtown N.Y. from 1976-80. He was the starting varsity goalie all four years and earned All-Long Island honors. Following high school, Els earned a scholarship to Hofstra University and started four years there from 1980-84. In 1983 and 1984, the team ranked in the top-10 in the country at the Division I level. After Hofstra, Els followed in his father's footsteps and joined the New York Fire Department. He served 20 years and was cited for bravery three times. Els also served during 9/11.