ELKHART, Ind. -- On Thursday, Elkhart Community Schools Athletics announced Bodie Bender as the new Head Coach of the Boys Basketball team for Elkhart High School.

Bender spent the last three years coaching at Mishawaka High School.

“I am incredibly excited to become Elkhart High School’s next boys basketball coach,” Bender said.

“This is a tremendous honor for me and my family. To the players at Elkhart High School: I look forward to meeting you, and preparing for a successful season."

According to school officials, Bender was at Carroll (Flora) High School for a few years before his stint at Mishawaka.

"At Carroll High School, Coach Bender led the team to a spot in the IHSAA state final four," EHs officials said. "His accomplishments at Mishawaka include a sectional championship in 2024, as well as back-to-back regional championships in 2023 and 2024. He was also a coach at the former Elkhart Central High School from 2014 to 2018."

In total, Bender's coaching career spans seven years.

“We’re proud to welcome Coach Bender back to Elkhart,” says EHS principal Cary Anderson.

“He’s not only an outstanding basketball coach, but also an excellent teacher and role model. His track record speaks for itself - he’s built winning programs and knows how to develop athletes and teams the right way. Coach Bender understands our school, our students, and the values of this community.”