TJ Kolba Position: Assistant Coach Experience: 3rd season

TJ. Kolba begins his third year season as an assistant coach for Cleveland State- his fourth season under Ali Kazemaini after serving in the same capacity in 2005 at John Carroll University.

He handles all administrative, travel and budgetary matters for the Vikings while also assisting with on-field coaching and recruiting.

In his initial campaign as an assistant coach at CSU, Kolba oversaw the Vikings become the most-improved team in NCAA Division 1, posting a 6-10-2 record compared to 0-17-1 the year before.

In his lone campaign at John Carroll, Kolba helped lead the Blue Streaks to a 13-7-1 overall mark, regular and post-season Ohio Athletic Conference crowns and a berth in 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. As a freshmen, he netted John Carroll's first-ever postseason goal when he scored against Wilmington in the 2000 NCAA Tournament.

In addition to his duties at CSU, Kolba serves as a staff coach with Cleveland Soccer Academy and is also a member of the State Olympic Development coaching staff. Kolba graduated from John Carroll in the fall of 2004 with a degree in marketing and logistics.

Kolba is single and resides in Parma.