Feb. 23, 2004

SEATTLE - Former professional and collegiate goalkeeper Matthew Olson has been named assistant coach for the Washington men's soccer team, head coach Dean Wurzberger announced Monday.

Olson, a native of Renton, Wash., will serve as the Husky goalkeeper's coach, replacing Bill May who left Washington in January to pursue a career in the information technology field. Olson is already very familiar with the Husky program, after previously serving on Wurzberger's staff from 1992-1996.

"We are delighted to have Matt back with us on the coaching staff," Wurzberger said. "He brings a great deal of experience and enthusiasm to our program. He will keep the play of our goalkeepers at the highest possible level and will also be a valuable addition in the office. Matt will compliment our current coaching staff!"

During his previous stint at Washington, Olson mentored All-American goalkeeper Dusty Hudock, who finished the 1992 season with the nation's best goals against average (0.50). Olson left the UW program in 1996 to pursue his own playing career and was drafted by Major League Soccer's New York/New Jersey Metro Stars. He eventually ended up playing for D.C. United, a team that won the inaugural MLS Cup Championship over the Los Angeles Galaxy.

"I'm excited to be back in the Husky program," Olson said. "The program has been on the rise and being able to assist someone with the leadership and background of Dean offers strong challenges and a great opportunity. I've been a Husky fan my whole life so being able to come on full-time with the program is exciting."

Olson's additional coaching credits include a six-year stint as the head girl's coach at Skyline High School in Issaquah (1998-2004), where he led the team to third and fourth place finishes at the 3A WIAA state championships and an overall record of 62-26-11 (.626 winning percentage). Olson was also named Coach of the Year for the KingCo conference in 2000. He has worked as a staff coach for the Washington state ODP (Olympic Development Program) team for several years and has been a staff coach with the Region VI squad.

In addition to his previous stint at Washington, Olson's previous collegiate coaching experience also includes a one-year appointment at his alma mater, Wake Forrest, in 1997.

Olson played collegiate soccer at both Indiana University and Wake Forest. He helped Indiana to the 1988 NCAA title and was also a member of Wake Forest's 1991 Atlantic Coast Conference Championship team. Olson graduated from Wake Forest in 1991 with a bachelor of arts degree in speech communications.

Olson also has a wealth of international playing experience. Heading overseas in 1992, he trained in Sweden with Hammarby IF and AIK Stockholm. Olson also played in Holland with AJAX and Vitesse Arnhem of the Dutch first division. His international experience also saw him go to England, where he trained with Wolverhamton Wanderers, West Bromwich Albion and Luton FC of the First Division. Olson, an 'A' licensed coach, completed the FA Preliminary coaching course in England.

Olson prepped at Lindbergh High School in Renton and as a youth player, played for the Washington state ODP team from 1983-86.