The University of Akron Athletics
Men's Soccer
- Title:
- Assistant Coach/Camp Manager
- Email:
- menssoccer@uakron.edu
- Phone:
- (330) 972-6895
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T.J. Kolba is in his fourth season on the Zips’ staff after one season as an assistant coach on the men’s soccer staff at Wright State.
During Kolba’s time at Akron, the Zips have posted the an overall record of 64-20-10 (.787), including a 12-4-3 (.711) mark in Mid-American Conference play, while securing four conference tournament titles, four trips to the NCAA Tournament and three appearances in the College Cup.
Ten Akron players have been selected in the MLS SuperDraft during Kolba’s tenure, including three players chosen in the first round. That list includes; Joao Moutinho (No. 1 - 2018), Jonathan Lewis (No. 3 - 2017) and Richie Laryea (No. 7 - 2016).
In 2014, he helped mentor Eric Lynch, the Horizon League’s Most Valuable Player, and the rest of a Raider’ squad that posted their highest-victory total (12) since 2001 and led the conference in scoring with 38 goals.
Kolba’s duties at Akron focus on training and managing the back line, video analysis and breakdown for both the Zips and opponents, and managing all equipment needs.
Kolba came to Wright State after serving eight seasons on the coaching staff at Cleveland State, including the final two as the associate head coach. At Cleveland State, he handled all administrative, travel and budgetary matters for the Vikings and also assisted with on-field coaching and recruiting.
Kolba was instrumental in the improvement and growth of the program during his time at Cleveland State. During the 2006 season, he helped lead the Vikings to the largest turnaround among all NCAA Division I programs. Over his final six years there, CSU won 53 matches, including a victory over #1 Akron in 2010, and won the Horizon League Tournament title in 2012, advancing to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1980.
Prior to his time at Cleveland State, Kolba served as an assistant coach for one season at John Carroll University, a campaign that saw the Blue Streaks compile a 13-7-1 overall mark, win the regular-season and postseason Ohio Athletic Conference crowns and advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
A four-year letterwinner and three-year captain for the Blue Streaks, Kolba was recognized as the Ohio Athletic Conference Defender of the Year as a senior in 2004. A three-time All-OAC selection, Kolba finished his career with 24 points (eight goals and eight assists) in 73 matches. His defensive efforts helped lead the Blue Streaks to three consecutive OAC Championship matches.
Kolba graduated from John Carroll in the fall of 2004 with a degree in marketing and logistics.
He also serves as a United States National Team scout with the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Development Academy.
Kolba maintains a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) A License, and also serves as a United States National Team scout with the USSF’s Development Academy.
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