Meet the FootHolde Director
Schaefer has been developing players of all ages and levels across the state of Minnesota since 1996. He is currently the Director of Program and Player Development with the Cottage Grove Soccer Club. He is also an assistant coach with the Augsburg Men's Soccer Program, having started there in 2004 with head coach Greg Holker. In addition, Schaefer is an assistant coach with the newly formed Minnesota Thunder Elite Soccer Academy.
Schaefer has been a soccer coach on a variety of levels over the past 12 years in Minnesota, starting with the Westside Soccer Club, as well as coaching stints with St. Louis Park Soccer Association and the St. Paul Blackhawks. He was the boys’ head coach at DeLaSalle HS in Minneapolis from 1997 to 2003, and the boys’ head coach at Moundsview HS in 2004, before coming to Augsburg. Schaefer earned Section Coach of the Year honors in 2000 and 2001, and was named State Class A Coach of the Year in 2001. Schaefer also holds a USSF 'B' License, USSF National Youth License, NSCAA Goalkeeper Diplomas I and II.
Schaefer was a four-year started and two-year captain at St. Mary’s University. He holds the No. 3 spot on the school’s all-time scoring list for a single season (1996).
Schaefer earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from St. Mary’s in 1996 and earned his Master of Arts degree in Exercise Science/Kinesiology-Sports Management form the University of Minnesota in 2005. With a master's degree, a nutrition/health background, as well as a professional personal training certification, Schaefer's background goes well beyond the game of soccer. Schaefer preaches the importance of mental preparation, physical well being, and psychological engagement for the "passionate player." This mind, body, and spirt philosophy encompasses the bigger picture of what players can get working with Schaefer in a soccer training environment.