(SAN DIEGO) PLNU Director of Cross Country and Track & Field
Jake Poyner has stepped down from his role after two years to pursue another coaching opportunity in the Midwest to be closer to family.
"We are incredibly grateful to Jake for his service to Point Loma and for the impact he has made on our student-athletes in our cross country and track & field programs," Athletic Director Jordan Courneya said. "While we are certainly disappointed to see him go, we completely understand and respect his desire to be closer to family."
Track & Field Associate Head Coach Avery Takata (Interim Director of Cross Country and Track & Field) and Cross Country Assistant Coach
Madi Bucci (Interim Associate Head Coach for Cross Country) have both been elevated from their previous roles on staff.
"We are excited to elevate Avery Takata to Interim Director of Cross Country and Track & Field and
Madi Bucci to Interim Associate Head Coach for Cross Country," Courneya said. "I'm incredibly grateful to both of them for their willingness to step into these important leadership roles during this transition."
Poyner's teams were incredibly successful across his two seasons, elevating both programs across the board during his time in charge.
"I'm extremely grateful to Jordan Courneya and the PLNU Athletic Department staff for their support of the team and their belief in me," said Poyner, an Indiana native. "The hardest part is saying goodbye to the incredible student-athletes here within the Loma T&F program. This was not an easy decision at all, but with thoughtful prayer, this was what was best for me and my desire to be closer in proximity to family and loved ones."
In cross country, the Sea Lions finished third at the PacWest Championships in 2024 and second in 2025 for their best placement at the conference meet since 2017.
Point Loma also competed in the NCAA West Regional both seasons, placing seventh in 2024 and then sixth in 2025 for its best finish at the regional race since 2018.
Maddie Reeves broke the program's 6K record with PLNU's best ever individual finish (4th) at the NCAA West Regional, becoming the first Sea Lion to qualify for the NCAA Championships as an individual since 2017.
Point Loma also won the Cougar Challenge in 2024 for its first meet victory in six seasons.
"I have complete trust in the current coaching staff and Point Loma Leadership as they navigate continued ways to enhance the faith-centered profile of PLNU Cross Country and Track & Field," Poyner said.
In track & field, Poyner improved PLNU's placement at the PacWest Championships from prior years, with Point Loma finishing fifth in 2025 and fourth in 2026 for its best finish at the conference championships since 2019 and since the conference expanded.
Multiple Sea Lions won individual events at the PacWest Championships in both seasons, while four new program records were set among numerous additions to the program's Top-10 List during his tenure.
Reeves became the first PLNU Women's Track & Field student-athlete to earn NCAA Division II All-American honors, placing eighth in the 10,000 meters at this year's NCAA Championships. She also became the first Sea Lion to compete at the national meet in multiple events.
In total, Poyner coached 22 All-PacWest performers and 10 All-Region selections across cross country and track & field.
"Jake has served our department with great care and commitment, and we wish him and his family nothing but the best in this next chapter," Courneya said.
Takata, an All-PacWest runner during her time on The Point, was hired as Track & Field Associate Head Coach in the spring of 2024 after previously spending two seasons as an assistant coach of her alma mater.
"After seeing the program through its first transition in decades with Coach Jerry Arvin's retirement in 2024, I'm excited to see the program through its next step and continue to build upon what previous coaches have built in our sport," Takata said. "I'm humbled and honored to be given this role to lead the program into its next chapter. I'm confident we will continue to succeed in both the cross country and track & field seasons."
Bucci, also a former All-PacWest performer for PLNU, has been Cross Country Assistant Coach for the past four seasons, helping Point Loma improve its finish at the PacWest Championships each year.
"Avery and Madi care deeply about our student-athletes and the continued growth of our programs, and I look forward to working alongside them as we build on the strong foundation already in place and continue to elevate Point Loma Cross Country and Track & Field," Courneya said.
