Ben Olson joined the Winona State women's soccer staff in August of 2023 as the program's goalkeeping coach, bringing with him over 25 years of experience as a player and coach in the specialty position.
Olson grew up in La Crescent, Minn. and began playing goalkeeper, kicking off what would become a lifelong passion project. As an All-State goalkeeper in high school, Olson took his soccer to the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, playing on the nationally ranked club team while also competing on the 4-wall handball team and studying Biology and Psychology.
After his years in Minneapolis, Olson moved to Richmond, VA and shifted his focus towards teaching soccer. Since then, he has gained experience leading high school Varsity programs, coaching youth club teams, hosting camps, and training private lessons for goalkeepers of all ages and levels up to semiprofessional. During his time in Virginia, Olson won an Indoor Premier League championship with the Richmond Rowdies, a semiprofessional arena team made up of off-season players from the Richmond Kickers. He later picked up an injury while training for a USL tryout, marking the end of his competitive play.
Olson carries a USSF D license and a Goalkeeping Level 3 Diploma with an educational foundation formed through organizations specializing in Trauma Informed Care, alternative learning, and outdoor education.
