Tonka Fusion Elite Welcomes Greg Holker as our Dedicated Boys’ College Advisor

Tonka Fusion Elite (TFE) is excited to welcome Greg Holker to the club as our dedicated Boys Collegiate Advisor (BCA)! As TFE expanded to field teams at all age groups from 2018-2021, we’ve recognized the need to better support our older players & families in their collegiate search. In today’s youth soccer ecosystem, the market is flooded with choice which inevitably provides a variety of conflicting information to players, parents, and coaches alike. As TFE continues to strategically take steps forward in its mission to elevate the youth soccer experience, adding a BCA position will equip our players with the tools to obtain more efficient results during their own collegiate search, all while utilizing our growing connections across the region & country to better advise our athletes. 

It’s no secret that the men’s collegiate soccer landscape is ever-changing with countless variables differentiating each individual’s collegiate search and outcome. Adding Holker to this role brings invaluable perspective and experience in both the local and national club & collegiate arenas. Holker’s 30 years in youth/club soccer has brought him to the highest levels of the club market, coaching and mentoring several MLS and professional players along the way.  After stepping into the collegiate coaching ranks in 2004, Holker has remained connected to the club market spending over a decade in organizational and club leadership positions across the Twin Cities.

In this new position at TFE, Holker will be responsible for: 

• Routine In-Person Seminar Series: The Seminar Series will consist of curated topics that align with the specific needs of each age group and upcoming milestones within each team’s season plan. Examples of seminars include: 
• A focused seminar series that is tailored to players at different stages within their pathway, Which division is the best fit?, Highlight film best practices, Key phases of recruitment, Making the most out of college visits
• Developing and Sharing a Resource Library for Player & Families: Players will have access to an club-wide, online library of in-depth resources regarding the recruitment process, collegiate admittance, templates, do’s and don’ts, etc.
• Individual Consulting: Holker will provide the opportunity for players to sit down with our College Advisor to discuss their personal goals and develop an individualized plan. In partnership with each head coach, our College Advisor will assist in developing a plan that closely aligns with each player’s interests, ability, and long-term goals.

Holker is no stranger to TFE. Please welcome him when you see him this season. Holker’s duties will initiate on 8/1/2023. 

About Greg Holker:

Holker holds the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) ‘A’ License, the United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma, the USSF National Youth License, the USSF Grassroots Instructor License and serves as a Coach Educator  for US Soccer, US Club Soccer, and the Twin Cities Soccer Leagues.  Holker’s credentials as a coach educator have yielded a lasting impact across the youth soccer landscape with multiple coaches moving into MLS Academies, MLSnext positions, club director positions & scholastic coaching tenures. 

As a collegiate coach, Holker recently finished his 19th season at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN. Throughout his tenure at Augsburg, Holker has coached 65 All-MIAC, 26 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 on 13 separate occasions. More impressively, over 125 of Holker’s Auggies have gone on to coaching careers in scholastic or youth soccer environments after spending time in the program. During his 19 years as a collegiate head coach, the Auggies have accumulated a 164-123-37 record where he has twice been named the MIAC Coach of the Year, while qualifying for NCAA Tournament play on three  occasions, in addition to one  MIAC Championship. In the club arena, Greg has mentored players at all age groups, guided club teams to multiple State Cups, and spent time in various leadership positions.