SAINT PAUL, MINN.--Hamline University has announced the hiring of Tyler Oliver as its next head men's soccer coach.
"I am beyond excited to be named the next head men's soccer coach at Hamline University," said Oliver. "I would like to thank the search committee and Jason Verdugo for this incredible opportunity. I also want to thank Tudor Flintham for his mentorship, guidance, and belief in me. Getting to learn and work for him the last four years has been some of the greatest joys of my life. Simply put, I wouldn't be in the position I'm in without him and the Gustavus community. I also want to thank my former coach and mentor Jon Lowery. Getting to be a Tommie and playing under him for two historic seasons showed me how amazing this profession can be and the impact it can have on the lives of student-athletes."
Oliver comes to Hamline after four years with the Gustavus Adolphus College men's soccer program, including the last two as the associate head coach. The Gusties accumulated a 49-10-7 overall record, a 28-3-1 MIAC mark, and a pair of NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Tournament appearances throughout Oliver's three seasons. The 2022 campaign resulted in many benchmarks that included a spot to the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Tournament Elite Eight, the MIAC Regular Season Championship, a MIAC Tournament Championship appearance, the MIAC Defensive Player of the Year, and the No. 8 ranking on the Final United Soccer Coaches Poll.
The 2019 season saw the Gusties claim both the MIAC Regular Season and Tournament Championships. During his time at Gustavus, players earned two MIAC Defender of the Year Awards while four individuals earned five United Soccer Coaches All-American Awards. Gustavus also had nine United Soccer Coaches All-Region Awards, 11 All-MIAC Selections, and five honorable mentions accolades. They also got it done in the classroom obtaining four COSIDA Academic All-American Awards, and nine COSIDA Academic All-District Selections. Gustavus was No. 1 in the United Soccer Coaches North Region Poll at some point in every season Oliver was a part of the program, as well as featured in the Top-25 National Poll each year. The roles of recruiting coordinator, travel logistics, and camp coordination also fell under Oliver's watch at Gustavus Adolphus College.
Oliver kicked off his career at NCAA Division III Elmhurst, where he spent the 2018 campaign as the graduate assistant men's soccer coach. He also served as the varsity reserve team head coach and led them to an 8-0-2 record. During his lone season at Elmhurst, two players went on to play professionally the following season.
Oliver's experience also goes beyond the collegiate ranks, as he has held various head coaching positions with the St. Croix Soccer Clubs, ECNL, and Academy Teams over the last five years. Tyler has obtained his United States Soccer Federation C-License and is a B-License Applicant currently.
Oliver began his collegiate playing career at NCAA Division I Eastern Illinois University where he led the team in goals and points his sophomore year. He then transferred to former MIAC rival St. Thomas for his junior and senior seasons. He helped lead the Tommies to two MIAC Regular Season Championships, and two MIAC Tournament Titles; as well as appearances in the 2017 NCAA Division III Tournament Elite Eight, and the 2016 NCAA Final Four. St. Thomas registered a 42-4-3 mark throughout Oliver's two seasons with the program where he was second on the team in points in 2016 and 2017.
Oliver, a native of Oakdale, Minnesota, graduated from North St. Paul High School where he was a three-time All-State attacker as well as a State Champion his senior year in 2013. He graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in business financial management from St. Thomas in 2018. He is currently working toward a master of science degree in coaching & athletic administration from Concordia St. Paul.
"I am eager to get to campus and begin to work with the current group of Piper men's soccer student-athletes," said Oliver.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT OLIVER
"This is a fantastic hire and one that will move Hamline men's soccer forward in a meaningful way. Tyler is one of the best young coaching prospects out there. He's played an important role in our program's success in recent years and I have no doubt that he will graft much of that knowledge onto his next project. I suspect he will do very well in the coming years."
-Tudor Flintham (Gustavus Adolphus Head Men's Soccer Coach)
"I knew Jason (Verdugo) would hit the mark and with Tyler he's done that and more. Tyler is ambitious, knows the landscape of the conference and Division III soccer as a whole. Players willing to meet his standards will have a terrific student-athlete experience as a Piper."
-Jonathan Lowry (St. Thomas Head Men's Soccer Coach)
"Congrats to Hamline University on making a great hire. Tyler has been successful in this league and region as a student-athlete, as well as an assistant coach. He's learned from some of the region's top coaches and has the right mindset to elevate Hamline men's soccer into a program to be proud of."
-Travis Wall (St. Olaf Head Men's Soccer Coach)
