This week we interview Greg Holker from Augsburg University. - "Since arriving at Augsburg in 2004, head coach Greg Holker (Gustavus '00) has revitalized the Auggies, turning the men's soccer team into an annual playoff contender.
He is now the winningest coach in school history, having guided the Auggies to three NCAA Division III national tournament appearances, including the "Sweet 16" in 2008, and the MIAC playoff championship in 2010, two of its six MIAC playoff appearances.
Augsburg Coaching Highlights:
Holker inherited a program that won just seven league games in the eight seasons prior to his arrival and quickly turned things around, leading the Auggies to third-place MIAC finish and first-ever postseason berth in his third season at the helm.
Holker led Augsburg to 16 victories in 2010, which marked the most in program history as he earned MIAC Coach of the Year honors for the second time. With Holker at the helm, the Auggies are an impressive 133-12-7 when scoring the first goal.
At Augsburg, Holker has coached 60 All-MIAC, 22 All-Region and 22 Scholar All-Region athletes, including four All-Americans, two MIAC Players of the Year and five Scholar All-Americans. The team has earned academic honors from United Soccer Coaches 12 times.
Holker has provided life-changing experiences to his Auggies, leading them on regular international trips to Argentina (2007), Spain (2010), Italy (2015), and Germany (2018).
Professional Credentials:
Holker holds the United States Soccer Federation ‘A’ License, the United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma, the USSF National Youth License, the USSF Grassroots Instructor License and serves as a Coaching Education Instructor for US Soccer.
Holker prides himself on his ability to teach, but spends more time making sure his players are learning. Over 100 of Holker’s Auggies have gone on to coaching careers in scholastic or youth soccer environments after spending time in the program. This includes Minnesota United’s U13-14 Academy Coach and U12 Technical Leader, Andy Seidel ’09, and Columbus Crew Academy Coach Evan Fuhs ’09. Both Seidel and Fuhs served as assistants at Augsburg in route to earning their USSF ‘A’ licenses.
Holker says, "My goal is to offer the best NCAA soccer experience possible. I wish to foster an environment that encourages personal growth through a competitive balance – balance between athletic, academic, and social responsibilities. I expect the athletes to conduct themselves in a manner that positively reflects the values and demonstrates the hospitable culture of our program. Our teams will carry themselves with great class and integrity, mindful that they represent not just themselves, but an esteemed program and an institution committed to excellence."
"By constantly seeking new experiences, I hope to help students attain their full potential as persons, to develop in them a capacity and passion for lifelong learning, and to prepare them for fulfilling lives of leadership and service both on and off the soccer field.”
Previous Coaching Experience:
Prior to his arrival at Augsburg, Holker served as the head coach at the Academy of Holy Angels High School in 2013, where he was named United Soccer Coaches Minnesota Division II Coach of the Year after leading the Stars to a conference championship. Holker spent one season as an assistant coach at Bloomington Jefferson in 2002 after spending two seasons as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Gustavus Adolphus College.
Other Duties/Campus Involvement at Augsburg:
Holker serves as the athletic facilities assistant manager.
Personal/Family Notes:
Holker resides in Lakeville, Minn., with his wife Connie and their four children, Braden, Lydia, Landon, and Logan." - Augsburg
