OUR COACHES

TECHNICAL STAFF

Greg Holker

Interim Technical Director
USSF A License

Interim Technical Director
USSF A License
USSF Nat'l Youth License
USC Premier Diploma
USSF Coaching Education Instructor
MTA Coach since 2025
Men's Head Coach, Augsburg University 2004-present
Technical Director at BV United SC 2013-2026

Danny Storlien

Girls Director
USSF A License

Girls Director
USSF A / USSF Youth /
and USC Premier licenses
MTA Coach 20+ years
Former Asst - MN Thunder Pro team
Former Coach - MN Lightning Semi-Pro team
Played D1 (UW-Green Bay) & DIII (St Mary’s)
3x ECNL Midwest Div Champions
5x MN Boys HS Coach of the Year
Masters in Educ. & Athletic Admin.

Mark Yueill

Boys Director
USSF B License

Boys Director
USSF B License
MTA Coach since 2009

37 Years Club Coach
13 Years HS Coach

Playing history:
4 yrs UMN Gophers Club team -
1987 MVP & leading scorer

1 yr MN Men’s Select Team
1 yr MN Strikers Reserve

Matt VanBenschoten

Juniors Director
USSF B License

Juniors Director
USSF B License
MTA Coach since 2022
MTA ThunderBolts Director
MTA Thunder Edge Director
General Manager, Mpls City (USL2)
2021 NPSL North Conference -
Coach of the Year
Former Asst - Bethel University
2 yr captain & All-Academic Conference

Terry Leiendecker

Goalkeeping Director
USSF B License

Goalkeeping Director
USSF B License
NSCAA GK (Levels I, II, III)
Former Pro Goalkeeper, MN Strikers
Former GK Coach, MN Thunder Pro team
Played for Team USA -World University Games, Japan
St John’s University -4 yr starter & Captain
NSCAA & MIAC Goalkeeping records
SJU 2020 J-Club Hall of Honor member

Ian Smith

Asst. Juniors Director
UEFA B License

Asst. Juniors Director
UEFA B License (Norwegian Federation)
MTA Coach since 2025
Former Women's 1st Team Asst. Coach @ Kolbotn, IL
MTA NextGen Director
Former MTA Player
UW Green Bay Alum (D1)
Former player at Mpls City, GB Voyageurs, Oppsal IF, Assiden IF, Kolbotn IL

COACHING STAFF

Mark Abboud

ussf a license

David Alberti

ussf b license

Stephany Allen

ussf c license

Jon Bisswurm

Emily Boyer

Alex Carlson

Oscar Cendejas

Caleb Dachtler

ussf d license

Martin De Leon

ussf c license

Jeremy Driver

ussf b license

Isaac Friesen

ussf d license

Ben Gaddis

ussf b license 

Sophia Grenz

Aileen Guiney

ussf b license

Olivia Haggerty

ussf d license

Joseph Hartwell

ussf c license

Nicolas Hilt

ussf d license

Greg Holker

ussf a license 

Sophia Horn

ussf c license 

Mark Jacobs

ussf d license 

Derric Johnson

ussf c license

Jeremiah Johnson

ussf b license

Yong Kim

Joe Klosterman

Tommy Kniser

Steevie Lamarre

Kevin Lebahn

Sophia Lehman

Terry Leiendecker

ussf b license 

Max Lom

ussf c license 

Tomas Menna

Jakob Mohrlok

Jess Mueller

ussf c license 

Alper Peker

uefa a license

Michael Prunty

uefa b license

Sal Rojas

ussf c license

Peter Runquist

ussf d license 

Abe Sanchez

Jonathan Schaefer

ussf a license

Meghan Schoebrel

ussf b license

Skylar Schulz

ussf a-youth license

Ian Smith

uefa b license

Miguel Solorzano

ussf d license

Danny Storlien

ussf a license

Tobias Thorsell

ussf d license

Matt VanBenschoten

ussf b license

Lyndsey Vandenberg

ussf d license

Brian Williams

ussf d license

Byron Wolt

ussf d license

Mark Yueill

ussf b license

Jeremiah Zilka

Why USSF Coaching Experience Matters

Minnesota Thunder Academy stands out as a premier soccer institution in the State of Minnesota, boasting an exceptional coaching staff that is both highly licensed and extensively experienced. Committed to fostering excellence in soccer development, our coaches bring a wealth of expertise derived from diverse backgrounds, including playing on Division 1, national, and professional teams. This firsthand experience at the highest levels of the sport equips them with unique insights into the intricacies of elite-level play, which they passionately share with our aspiring athletes.

What sets our coaching team apart is not only their impressive playing backgrounds but also their dedication to continuous learning and improvement. Each coach at Minnesota Thunder Academy has undergone rigorous training and acquired licenses from some of the most esteemed soccer programs in the United States. This commitment to staying abreast of the latest coaching methodologies and tactics ensures that our players receive cutting-edge guidance and instruction.

Our coaching staff believes in nurturing the holistic development of each player, emphasizing not just technical skills and tactical understanding but also instilling the values of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. The aim is to create a comprehensive learning environment where athletes not only excel on the field but also grow as individuals.

The collective knowledge and passion of our coaching staff create an atmosphere of excellence at Minnesota Thunder Academy, providing aspiring soccer players with a unique opportunity to learn and develop under the guidance of some of the most accomplished and dedicated mentors in the state. Whether pursuing competitive play at the highest levels or honing skills for personal growth, our coaches are committed to helping every player reach their full potential in the sport they love.

Coach at MTA