Anne Whiting and Olaf Kirsten have been named Co-Head Women’s Soccer Coaches at Northland College today according to Director of Athletics Steve Wammer. Whiting currently is the Ashland High School girls’ coach and has served as an assistant in the Northland program in the past. Kirsten is currently the Washburn High School girl’s and boy’s coach (he will be stepping down as boy’s coach next season).
“I am excited to announce Anne and Olaf as our new coaches for the LumberJill program,” said Wammer. “The opportunity for us to get two truly outstanding coaches to lead our program was one that we couldn’t pass up.”
In addition to her experience as an assistant coach in the Northland program, Whiting has been the Ashland High School girls’ coach since 2000. Last season her team posted a record 25-1-1 mark and advanced to the Wisconsin State Semi-Final Game; this year’s team remains undefeated with a 24-0 record as they enter Sectional play. Wammer states, “Anne has proven her ability to lead a successful program, she will bring strong leadership and a passion for athletics to our staff.”
"I am excited to take on this new and expanded role as co-coach with Olaf at Northland College" says Whiting, "This is a unique opportunity and I am looking forward to working with the young women in the soccer program as well as the staff at Northland."
Kirsten has coached at Washburn High School since 2001 achieving a 263-97-26 record. A Northland Alumnus and member of the Athletic Hall of Fame, Kirsten is a member of the Wisconsin Soccer Youth Instructional Staff and holds a USSF "B" license. Wammer comments, "Olaf brings not only strong technical knowledge to this position, but also an affinity for Northland and a passion for soccer."
“I am very excited to be coming back to Northland, and for the opportunity to work with Anne and the dedicated athletes in the Northland Women’s Soccer Program.” Comments Kirsten, “I hope to be able to bring my expertise and passion to the field in order to help build a quality program here at Northland that student-athletes will want to be a part of and that the college community will be proud of.”
Whiting resides in Ashland with her husband Rick and children Amanda 18, Anika 17, Thomas 14, Zach 13.
Kirsten resides in Washburn with his wife Gina.