Meet Our Team

For a complete list of staff and bio’s please visit AthleticMentors.com

MarkOlsonHeadshotMark Olson,
Founder and Head Coach

Mark Olson knows what it’s like to live and breathe hockey with dreams of going pro. In his teens and early 20s, it wasn’t his natural talent and size that netted him a Division 1 spot for the Northern Michigan Wildcats. It was his commitment, his drive, his willingness to work hard to be the strongest, fittest, most tenacious player on the ice. His team went on to win a national championship in 1991. Olson knows what it takes to be your personal best. It takes heart, and it takes training. He has spent years researching and developing a hockey-specific training program that blends cutting edge science with the mental and physical conditioning elite players need. His programs are individually focused and customized to bring you to the best hockey shape of your career.

Photo of Dean Kolstad, a PGA Professional and golf coach at Athletic Mentors in Richland, MI

 

Dean Kolstad

Retired NHL Athlete and PGA Golfer

Dean is a PGA Professional Golfer and has been a member of the organization since 2001. He has worked for the Gull Lake View Golf Club – specifically the Bedford Valley Golf Course for over 20 years.Before starting his career in golf, Dean 

played 10 years of professional hockey, splitting his time between NHL Teams The Minnesota North Stars and The San Jose Sharks. Dean has also played for various minor league teams.

Dean has been involved with coaching hockey at a professional level but has also enjoyed years of giving golf lessons, teaching at clinics, and holding seminars. He enjoys teaching golfers of every skill level, both men and women, giving them the tools and confidence to improve their game and achieve their goals. His biggest belief is that golf is a game for life and can be enjoyed whether you are trying to play competitively or just to have some fun with your friends and family.

EdWard_225-300Eddie Ward,
Retired NHL Athlete and Coach

Eddie Ward began his professional hockey career after playing for the Northern Michigan University Wildcats. It was here that he met Mark Olson, and together they helped the team take home the NCAA Division I Championship in 1991. After leaving NMU, Eddie would play for teams in various leagues such as the NHL, IHL, ECHL, and in Europe. Over his 11 year long career, he totaled 680 games professionally, 278 of those games in the NHL. After retiring from professional hockey in 2002, Eddie now serves as a family advisor for Newport Sports Management, as well as collaborating with Mark to create a development camp for young hockey players to refine their skills and prepare for their future career.