Title

Spartan Athletics Women's Coaches

Body

Sections

Jodi Holleman

Women's Basketball Head Coach

jodi.holleman@minnesota.edu

Women's Basketball

Jodi Holleman has coached the M State women’s basketball team for six years, leading them to a regional championship in her first season. She is also the owner/director of the West Central Wildcats youth sports program and an eight-time coach of the year honoree.

Why she loves coaching

“The players. I love mentoring young players, regardless of sport or age. I’ve coached kids from kindergarten all the way through college.”  

What she looks for in a recruit

Team players who uplift others. “Kids who encourage their teammates on the court – who are kind, love the game, and have a good work ethic.”

What else to know

“The key to success is fundamentals: at all ages, all levels. I’m a firm believer in their importance.”

Abigail Oberg

Softball Head Coach, Assistant Women's Basketball Coach

abigail.oberg@minnesota.edu

Softball

Abby Perkins (formerly Oberg) has led M State’s softball team for two years and assisted with women’s basketball for three. She played college softball at Ridgewater in Willmar, Minn., under coach Jodi Holleman, who is now M State’s head women’s basketball coach.

Why she loves coaching

“Softball’s a game I’ve always enjoyed, and coaching is interesting to me. It can be tough at times, but watching the girls come together and learn to play as a team makes it well worth it.”

What she looks for in a recruit

Players who love the game and show up ready to work. “Someone who’s willing to get to the grind and work hard.”

What else to know

“The M State community is so supportive and friendly. Faculty, staff, coaches – everyone is willing to help you out in every way possible.” 

Laura Tungseth

Asst. Dir. of Student Life & Campus Experiences, Head Volleyball Coach

laura.tungseth@minnesota.edu

Volleyball

Laura Tungseth became the head volleyball coach in fall 2024. A former Lady Spartans player, she is M State's assistant director of student life and campus experiences.

Why she loves coaching

“The community aspect – getting to bring girls together from all different backgrounds, skill levels and knowledge of the game. It’s about more than just volleyball – it’s about character and the development of lifelong skills.”

What she looks for in a recruit

Integrity, work ethic, discipline and time management. “I look for girls who are willing to take and apply feedback, who are hard working, and have a competitive drive.”

What else to know

M State offers strong community support and an opportunity to showcase your talents. “You get more personalized coaching than at bigger schools, and can really grow as a player.” Fergus Falls students may qualify for automatic GPA-based scholarships of $1,000-$2,000.

Jason Retzlaff

Athletic Director, Physical Education Faculty and Golf Coach

jason.retzlaff@minnesota.edu

Women's Golf

Jason Retzlaff has coached golf at M State for 22 years. He also serves as a physical education faculty member and is an M State athletic director.

Why he loves coaching

“When you’ve been at this for as long as I have, you get to see players you’ve coached grow up, move forward and do well in life. We’ve got a good family of Spartan golfers that we’ve kept in touch with over the years. While I’m competitive and love the game, it’s the relationship building with players that I appreciate most.”

What he looks for in a recruit

Strong character – people who love golf, are good teammates, work hard and are academically accountable. “You don’t have to be a straight-A student, but you have to care about college and represent our athletic program in the classroom in a first-rate way.”

What else to know

Golf practices are held at Pebble Lake Golf Course, a competitive course with a fun, pressure-free atmosphere. “We’re here to represent M State, but also to have fun!”

Steven Sandeen

Electrical Technology Faculty

steven.sandeen@minnesota.edu

Clay Trap Shooting

Starting in fall 2026, Steve Sandeen will lead M State’s newest competitive sport: clay trap shooting. An electrical technology faculty member and longtime outdoor sports enthusiast, he has experience helping with high school trap teams. Practices and competitions will be held near the Wadena campus.

Why he loves coaching

“It’s a chance to interact with students outside the classroom – I value that. And clay trap shooting fills a niche here. Many of our students like to hunt, fish and be outdoors, so this sport fits. A big part of the college’s vision, ‘A success story for every student,’ depends on students feeling like they belong, and I think this could help them feel like they do belong, like they’re connected and a part of something bigger.”

What he looks for in a recruit

“Someone who’s committed – who shows up on time, gives 100% effort, has a good attitude, and has fun!”

What else to know

Clay trap shooting is one of the fastest-growing youth sports. The time commitment is lighter than that of other sports, with practices and competitions held one evening a week at the same location, making it easier to fit into students’ schedules.