soccer coaches
Head Coach David Thorvilson
David, a native of Helena, begins his first season as the head coach for the Fighting Saints after 4 years as Assistant Coach. Thorvilson started his college career at Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA. After two seasons, he transferred to Montana State Billings to complete his collegiate career. He then became the assistant and goalkeeper coach for both men's and women's teams at MSU-Billings. After two seasons, David became the assistant at the University of Mary where he earned a Masters of Business Administration and helped both programs to national tournament bids (men in 2001 and women in 2002). In addition, David coached two All-Region goalkeepers with one garnering All-America honors as well. Thorvilson hold licenses from both U.S. Soccer Federation and National Soccer Coaches Association of America.
Since joining the team for the 2003 campaign, the Saints improved from 4-7-4 in 2002 to 14-4-1 in 2005. Thorvilson helped the team in 2003 finish ranked #2 regionally and qualify for their first NAIA Regional Tournament. Furthermore, he helped build upon the team's success in 2004 as they finished nationally ranked (25th) and qualified for their second consecutive regional tournament. In 2005, the team continued their improvement as they finished ranked 19th and advanced to their second consecutive regional final. Dave has assisted with six All-American and ten All-Region selections. His addition and input have been instrumental to the team's success.
Assistant Coach Els Van Woert
Elisabeth, or Els, Van Woert comes to Carroll College from New England for her second season with the Saints. She previously was the assistant coach for St. Paul’s School varsity girls program in Concord, NH. Els’ other coaching experience includes work with both the New Hampshire and Vermont Olympic Development Programs and six years’ experience summer coaching at U.S. Sports camps.
Prior to joining Carroll’s staff, Els played NCAA Division III at Middlebury College in Vermont where, in 2004, she captained her team to the national tournament’s round of sixteen, ending with a 15-1-3 record and tying the school’s mark for wins. Els was named a 2004 Second Team NSCAA All-American and a two-time First Team All-New England and All-NESCAC selection. Els played semi-pro with the Vermont Voltage as well as playing club soccer for Nordic Spirit of Vermont where her team advanced to the Snicker’s Cup Regional tournament all four years. The Carroll program looks forward to Els contributing her experience, knowledge and great passion for another year.
Coach’s Comments: "Els’ knowledge of the game and her experience with goalkeepers will be invaluable to the team again this year. She will help to develop our two younger keepers and get Nikki ready for her final season in the nets."
Assistant Coach Jamie Jones
Jamie joins the Carroll coaching staff for her first season. Before coming to Helena, Jamie was assistant coach at Tonasket High School in Tonasket, Washington for the past two years. While at Tonasket Jamie helped build success with the girl’s varsity team accumulating a 23-8 record and two regional tournament appearances in two seasons.
Jamie played her collegiate career as an outside defender at Jamestown College in Jamestown, North Dakota (2000-2004). As a player Jamie recieved team Defensive MVP, and NAIA academic awards. She graduated from Jamestown College in 2004 with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Elementary Education. Jamie continued playing after college for Penticton Soccer Club in Penticton, BC (2005-2007).
Coach’s Comments: "Jamie interprets the game very well and her college experience as a defender and coaching experience at the high school level will be tremendous assets to the Saint’s coaching staff this year."