January 25, 2012: Mark Cook Accepts Head Coach Position at North Dakota State University

MTA Players and Families,

It is with mixed emotions that we announce that Mark Cook has accepted the Women’s Head Coach post at North Dakota State University. Mark will be leaving the Minnesota Thunder Academy immediately to avoid any conflicts of interest as he assumes his new role at this Division I program in Fargo, North Dakota.

We are extremely happy for Mark and the great career opportunity he has earned through his dedication and success both as a coach and DOC for the MTA club over the past several years.  Just as we strive to provide the best opportunities for our youth players we also try to provide opportunities for our coaches to improve their coaching skills and offer them opportunities for coaching and career development. That being said we’re sorry to lose a talented soccer professional like Mark Cook.

The MTA Board has plans in place to smoothly transition Mark’s DOC and coaching responsibilities to other qualified staff and coaches within the club.

Please join all of us in congratulating Mark in this exciting step in his coaching career.

Thank you,

MTA Board

January 25, 2012: MTA Appoints Danny Storlien As Girls Director of Coaching

Effective immediately Danny Storlien will assume the role of MTA Girls Coaching Director.

We’re extremely fortunate to have someone as qualified as Danny available be willing to step into the DOC role. Danny has been with MTA since its inception and was involved for years with the Bangu-Tsunami club which merged with the Wings club to form MTA. His resume speaks for itself.

Danny is well known and highly regarded throughout the Minnesota soccer community and beyond. He is well connected with college coaches across the United States.

We wish Danny well and are very confident this transition will be smooth and the success the MTA girls program has achieved under Mark will continue under Danny’s leadership.

Danny Storlien Resume
United States Soccer Federation A License
National Soccer Coaches Association of America Premier License
Masters of Athletic Administration University of Saint Thomas
Masters of Education Saint Mary’s University
Former Minnesota Lightning Head Coach
Former Minnesota Thunder Assistant Coach
15 time Minnesota State Cup Champions
2 time Region II Champions
2 time National Runner up
2004 Bloomington Jefferson Boy’s State High School Champions
4 time Minnesota State High School Soccer Coaches Association Coach of the Year
2 time NSCAA Minnesota Coach of the Year
Played College Soccer at Saint Mary’s University and University of Wisconsin- Green Bay