Holtz named head men’s lacrosse coach at Olivet College

OLIVET, Mich. — Matt Holtz has been named head men's lacrosse coach at Olivet College, according to an announcement by Interim Athletic Director Ryan Shockey. Holtz becomes the second head coach in the history of the men's lacrosse program.

"I am extremely pleased to welcome Matt to the Olivet family," said Shockey. "He brings a vast lacrosse knowledge and experience with him as a coach and player. I am excited for what Matt will bring to our men's lacrosse program in the future."

Holtz most recently served as the head girl's lacrosse coach at Okemos High School during the 2014-15 school year. He led the Chiefs to a 16-4 record and a regional championship, while coaching seven All-State selections. Holtz was named the Lansing State Journal Coach of the Year

"I am excited about this opportunity to lead the Olivet men's lacrosse program into the future," said Holtz. "I look forward to the challenges we face and expect to build a championship program for the Comets in the coming year."

Prior to Okemos, Holtz was the head men's lacrosse coach at University of Detroit-Mercy (UDM) from 2007-14. While there, he guided the Titans to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Tournament championship in the fifth year of the program's existence. Also under his leadership, they attained the best outcome ever in the NCAA tournament by a MAAC school, reached the MAAC tournament championship in the program's third year and advanced to four consecutive MAAC tournaments.

At UDM, Holtz's players earned 17 All-Conference honors, five MAAC All-Rookie Team honors, three Long-Stick Midfielder of the Year awards, two Rookie of the Year awards and a Defensive Player of the Year award. He recruited and developed the NCAA's all-time leader in caused turnovers, NCAA leader in saves and saves percentage in 2014, and the nation's top freshman goal scorer in 2010 and 2011. Holtz also recruited a Tewaraton Award Watch List player in 2012.

In addition, Holtz's teams excelled in the classroom. The team's GPA increased over six consecutive years, and he coached 67 All-MAAC Academic team members over five years.

Holtz also served as the head coach of the Michigan State University club team from 2005-07 after being the team's offensive coordinator from 1997-2005. During his two seasons as head coach, the Spartans posted a 22-10 and reached the conference finals.

Holtz graduated from Michigan State in 1996 with a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering and computer engineering.