“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.”1 Corinthians 9:24
At Colorado Christian University, success on the track starts long before the race begins. It’s cultivated in the character, calling, and Christ-centered leadership of the coaches who guide CCU’s Cross Country and Track & Field programs. Over the past few years, CCU has emerged as a competitive force at the national level — not only because of the talented athletes on the roster, but because of the vision and dedication of Head Coach Evan Verbal and Assistant Coach Lyndsey Marshall. Together, these coaches/mentors have guided their programs with perseverance, wisdom, and a heart to honor the Lord in all they do.
Each coach arrived at CCU by means of athletic discipline, a heart for Jesus, and a love for what they do. From Lyndsey Marshall’s unexpected move from New Jersey to Colorado to Evan Verbal’s return to lead the University program he once ran for himself — their paths are as inspiring as the student-athletes they now invest in.
Eyes on the Prize: Assistant Coach Lyndsey Marshall
Assistant Coach Lyndsey Marshall began running as a sophomore in high school and hasn’t stopped since. After discovering a passion for training and finding success in competition, she took her talents in sprints and long jump to Cedarville University in Ohio. Upon graduating college in 2019, she worked at Parisi Speed School, specializing in sports performance training. There, she refined her skills and gained valuable experience for the plans God had in store.
So, while a career in coaching may have come as no surprise, Marshall’s journey to CCU was definitely unexpected. Through “coincidences” and connections, she and her husband began to feel the Lord calling them to make the move from New Jersey to Colorado. This nudging was solidified even further as opportunities to pursue her training passion began opening in Lakewood, and Marshall realized she knew Athletics’ former Head Coach Jon Poag — now CCU’s athletic director. She reached out, interviewed, and quickly realized that CCU was exactly where the Lord was calling her.
Now, after nearly a full indoor track season, Marshall finds deep motivation in her athletes. “I love seeing the hard work they put in, their dedication, and love for the sport and their team,” she said. “I want to see them succeed and help them in any way I can, big or small.”
The youngest of five siblings, Marshall grew up working to keep up with her three older brothers and an older sister — all who contributed to fueling her competitive spirit. Her supportive parents also instilled the belief that her worth wasn’t defined by sports, helping her find balance in knowing that competing was a gift to be enjoyed. She has carried that mindset with her throughout her journey. After excelling in both soccer and track & field in college, coaching became the natural next step.
“I love coaching because it allows me to mentor younger athletes — not just in athletics, but in all areas of life,” said Marshall. “I hope and pray my coaching allows my athletes to grow in all aspects: spiritually, athletically, emotionally, and more.”
Now, as CCU’s dedicated sprints coach, Marshall moves forward in a clear vision for the team’s future.
“My goals are to continue building the legacy of the CCU track team by expanding the sprints program in both depth and breadth,” said Marshall. “That means competing well but also growing to cover more events across track and field — all while maintaining our Christ-centered community and wonderful team bond.”
Outside of coaching, Marshall enjoys snowboarding, hiking, spending quality time with friends and family, and baking — especially sourdough bread, a skill she enjoys sharing with others.
“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”Isaiah 40:31
Going the Distance: Head Coach Evan Verbal
Head Coach Evan Verbal has deep ties to Colorado Christian University, and his journey to becoming head coach has been both meaningful and memorable. With his parents attending what was then Colorado Christian College in the 1980s, Verbal grew up in the Lakewood area and attended CCU as an undergraduate student from 2013 to 2017. He later earned his master’s degree at CCU and finished his eligibility competing on the cross country and track & field teams. After graduation, he served for three years as an assistant to Jon Poag (Head Coach at the time), then spent a season as the head coach at Regis University before returning to CCU in fall 2024 as the Director of Cross Country and Track & Field.
After so many years at CCU, Verbal feels his student experience continues to fuel his passion in his current role.
“I had an incredible student experience at CCU, and I feel like I graduated as a better human being than when I started. A lot of that can be attributed to my coach, Jon Poag. My own experience motivates me to continue investing in my athletes in the same way my coaches invested in me. I truly love this school, and I have a deep desire to see our team rise to the top. Our students are great human beings, and I want to help them become the best they can be.”Coach Evan Verbal, Director of Cross Country and Track & Field
Verbal has been blessed by CCU in many ways and has been able to serve the University in numerous roles. From his parents attending the school, to meeting his wife Brooke at CCU, this place has been a part of his life since day one.
Though Verbal played a variety of sports growing up, it was cross country that ultimately captured his heart.
“I’ve always been a very competitive person and enjoyed baseball and basketball growing up,” Verbal recalled. “When I failed to reach my goals in those sports at the high school level, I gave cross-country a try. I loved the community and the fact that I could put in the work and immediately see results. I made a big jump in performance at the college level and realized how fulfilling it would be to make a career of this discipline. A routine track & field trip to Kansas while I was a CCU volunteer coach solidified that decision — it showed me how coaching could allow me to pour into others and inspire them to be the best versions of themselves. After that, I was hooked!”
Now leading the team he once ran for, Verbal has big aspirations for the program moving forward.
“In the short term, my goal is to increase our team’s presence at the conference level. We compete in the most elite Division II conference, so qualifying half of our team for the RMAC Championships would be a significant accomplishment,” said Verbal. “Long term, I hope to increase the number of sprinters, jumpers, and field event athletes in our program, return our cross-country team to the podium at the national level, and make CCU a top choice for high school athletes looking to compete at a faith-based university. These are big goals, but you have to conceptualize these aspirations to have a shot at achieving them.”
Verbal brings a unique and personal perspective to his coaching.
“As a former NCAA Division II All-American and elite athlete at CCU, I think I have a unique insight into what our student-athletes are experiencing. I can empathize with them and push them because I’ve literally already ‘run the mile they are in.’ I would also consider myself to be a very determined person.”
When he isn’t recruiting, coaching, or training, Verbal enjoys traveling, roasting and drinking coffee, playing long and arduous strategy board games, and watching thriller movies and TV shows.
Each coach on the cross country and track & field staff brings exceptional experience, passion, and purpose to mentoring student-athletes at Colorado Christian University. With their Christ-centered leadership and vision, the future of the program is not only bright — it’s transformative.
Support the Athletics Facility Capital Campaign
As the Athletics program continues to grow, the need for updated facilities and training spaces for these teams has never been greater. You can help propel CCU’s student-athletes toward their fullest potential by supporting the Athletics Facility Capital Campaign. Join CCU’s amazing coaches in building a foundation for future success on the track, in their faith, and in life.
Click here to learn more