The Michigan Tech Huskies soccer team is a collegiate soccer program that represents Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan. As a member of the NCAA Division II, the team competes in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). With a rich history and a strong commitment to excellence, the Michigan Tech Huskies soccer team has become a force to be reckoned with in the world of college soccer.
History of the Program
The Michigan Tech Huskies soccer team was established in 1963, and since then, the program has experienced its fair share of ups and downs. In the early years, the team struggled to find its footing, but with the arrival of Coach Steve Olson in 1987, the program began to turn around. Under Olson's leadership, the Huskies won their first conference championship in 1991 and went on to make their first NCAA tournament appearance in 1992.
Over the years, the team has continued to grow and improve, with several conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances. In 2010, the Huskies won their first GLIAC tournament championship, and in 2012, they advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals, where they lost to the eventual national champion, Lynn University.
Coaching Staff
The Michigan Tech Huskies soccer team is led by Head Coach Steve Olson, who has been at the helm of the program since 1987. Olson is one of the most experienced and successful coaches in the NCAA, with over 300 wins and several conference championships to his name. He is assisted by Associate Head Coach Chris Harrison and Assistant Coaches Shawn Reed and Andy Brown.
Players and Recruitment
The Michigan Tech Huskies soccer team is known for its strong team culture and commitment to developing its players both on and off the field. The team recruits players from all over the country, with a focus on finding talented young athletes who share the program's values and are committed to excellence.
Some notable players who have worn the Huskies' jersey include:
- David Feldmann, a midfielder who played for the Huskies from 2010 to 2013 and was named the GLIAC Player of the Year in 2012.
- Mike Neilson, a forward who played for the Huskies from 2012 to 2015 and was named the GLIAC Player of the Year in 2014.
- Luke Kollar, a midfielder who played for the Huskies from 2014 to 2017 and was named the GLIAC Player of the Year in 2016.
Facilities and Equipment
The Michigan Tech Huskies soccer team plays its home games at Sherman Field, a state-of-the-art facility that features a natural grass surface and seating for over 1,000 spectators. The team also has access to a top-notch training facility, which includes a strength and conditioning room, a athletic training room, and a locker room.
In terms of equipment, the team uses high-quality gear from some of the top manufacturers in the industry, including Nike and Adidas. The team's jerseys are a distinctive black and gold, with the Huskies' logo emblazoned on the chest.
Competitions and Rivalries
The Michigan Tech Huskies soccer team competes in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC), which is one of the most competitive conferences in the NCAA. The team's biggest rival is the Northern Michigan University Wildcats, with whom they contest the annual "Upper Peninsula Cup."
The team also competes in the NCAA Division II tournament, where they have had several successful runs in recent years. In 2012, the Huskies advanced to the quarterfinals, where they lost to the eventual national champion, Lynn University.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The Michigan Tech Huskies soccer team offers several scholarships and forms of financial aid to its players. The team's coaching staff works closely with the university's admissions and financial aid offices to identify and recruit talented young athletes who are eligible for these forms of support.
In addition to athletic scholarships, the team also offers academic scholarships to players who excel in the classroom. The university's strong engineering and business programs make it an attractive option for students who are looking for a high-quality education and a competitive soccer program.
Community Involvement
The Michigan Tech Huskies soccer team is committed to giving back to the local community. The team participates in several outreach programs and community events throughout the year, including soccer clinics for local youth and fundraising events for local charities.
In 2019, the team partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of the Copper Country to host a soccer clinic for local youth. The clinic was a huge success, with over 50 kids participating and learning from the team's coaches and players.
Conclusion
The Michigan Tech Huskies soccer team is a program that is committed to excellence both on and off the field. With a rich history, a strong team culture, and a commitment to developing its players, the team is a force to be reckoned with in the world of college soccer.
Whether you're a fan, a player, or just someone who loves the beautiful game, the Michigan Tech Huskies soccer team is a program that is worth checking out.
Gallery of Michigan Tech Huskies Soccer Team
FAQ
What is the Michigan Tech Huskies soccer team's conference affiliation?
+The Michigan Tech Huskies soccer team competes in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC).
Who is the head coach of the Michigan Tech Huskies soccer team?
+The head coach of the Michigan Tech Huskies soccer team is Steve Olson.
What are the team's colors and logo?
+The team's colors are black and gold, and the logo features a husky's head with a soccer ball.