Aaron Olivier named Eden Prairie boys’ lacrosse coach

Eden Prairie High School has hired Aaron Olivier as its new head boys’ lacrosse coach, the Student Activities Office announced Wednesday, Sept. 10.

Olivier replaces Ryan Ward, who served as the program’s first and only head coach for the past 19 years.

Olivier brings more than 20 years of coaching and leadership experience across high school, collegiate and club lacrosse. He led Minnetonka High School from 2009 to 2019, winning a state championship in 2009 and finishing third in 2018. He was named Minnesota Lacrosse Coaches Association Coach of the Year in both 2018 and 2019. Olivier also served as an assistant coach at Minnetonka in 2007-08 and at the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2002-03.

Beyond his résumé, Olivier’s coaching philosophy – stressed in the school’s press release – emphasizes player development, clear communication and intentional teaching. He focuses on explaining the “why” behind each concept, with the aim of helping athletes become thoughtful, self-driven competitors.

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In addition to his work on the field, Olivier spent 21 years as a history teacher in the Minnetonka School District. He has also coached youth lacrosse in Eden Prairie for the past eight years.

“We are thrilled to welcome Aaron Olivier as our new head boys’ lacrosse coach at EPHS,” said Joe Perkl, the school’s athletic director. “With over a decade of head coaching experience in the Lake Conference and a proven record of success at the highest levels, Coach Olivier brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for the game.”

Olivier said he is eager to build on Eden Prairie’s tradition. “I’m honored to lead the Eden Prairie High School boys’ lacrosse program,” he said. “After eight years of coaching in the youth ranks here, it’s incredibly rewarding to continue working with student-athletes in a community I’ve been proud to call home for more than a decade.”