Macalester tabs former Stanford assistant

Macalester announces the selection of former Stanford assistant Gregg Olson as its new head men's soccer coach. Olson replaces Ian Barker, who left to become Director of Coaching Education for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Olson was at Stanford for four seasons and held the David and Kathy Carey Assistant Directorship for Stanford men's soccer this past year.

“I am honored to be joining Macalester College as the next head men's soccer coach.  The school has an incredible academic and athletic reputation and I look forward to continuing my development at such a fine institution,” said Olson. “I'd like to especially thank athletic irector Kim Chandler and the rest of the athletic department staff for providing this wonderful opportunity. I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge my appreciation towards all of the wonderful people at both Stanford University and the University of Vermont who have helped shape my career.  The Mac men's soccer program has a great tradition that I look forward to further developing both academically and athletically.”

A four-year starter for the soccer team and 2000 graduate of Vermont, Olson began his collegiate coaching career at his alma mater in 2002 before moving on to become an assistant for Stanford in 2008. Coaching many All-Pac 10 selections, Olson aided in developing future MLS players, Academic All-Americans, and a Hermann Trophy semifinalist.  In 2009, the Cardinal advanced to the NCAA Division I Sweet 16. At Vermont, he helped the Catamounts reach the conference tourney four times, win the 2007 America East Conference, and reach the second round of the NCAA Division I tournament. Olson coached and recruited numerous current professional players and each season of his collegiate career his teams have earned the NSCAA Team Academic Award.

“Gregg Olson is the perfect choice to lead the men's soccer program into the future,” said Bret Simon, former head coach and NSCAA  National Coach of the Year at both Creighton and Stanford.  “He exemplifies all the qualities of a great head coach. He leads, teaches, and inspires student-athletes to reach for their potential on and off the field. I'm sure he will make the same positive impact at Macalester that he has with the soccer players at Stanford.”

As a head coach of numerous club soccer programs (Palo Alto Soccer Club, Santa Clara Sporting and Nordic Soccer Club), Olson has led his teams to eight state championships, a regional title, and won such prestigious events as the Surf Cup with his team that was ranked as high as No. 3 in the nation. In addition, he was the head coach for four years with the Vermont ODP state team.

A native of Rockford, Illinois, Olson graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Science degree in English and Geography from Vermont, where he was team captain as a senior. Olson also was a three-time winner of the team's Donoson Fitzgerald Award for Perseverance, Integrity and Sportsmanship. After graduating from college, Olson spent two seasons playing semi-professionally before beginning his coaching career.

Olson and his wife, Sarah, and their two sons, Palmer and William, will move to the Twin Cities in April.