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Michael Tanke
Michael Tanke (pronounced TANK-ee) was named head coach of the Golden Griffin men's soccer program in February, 2022.
The 15th coach in program history and just the third since the 2001 season, Tanke made his way to Main Street after spending the last five seasons with the Empire United MLS Next development program in Rochester.
"I am excited to welcome Michael Tanke as the new head coach for our men's soccer program," Maher said. "Throughout our search process, Michael stood out as a coach who has the communication skills, the drive and the enthusiasm to recruit and develop the young men in our program. He also illustrated a clear plan on how he plans to build Canisius into a program that can compete for MAAC championships."
During his time with Empire United, Tanke served as the director of talent identification and recruitment for largest and most successful youth soccer club in New York State. Additionally, he was responsible for individual development plans while also assisting with many of the day-to-day operational aspects of the program.
On the sidelines, Tanke helped lead the Empire United U19 squad to the 2019 Winter DA Cup Group championship, and the first national quarterfinals appearance in program history. The 2019 U19 program also captured the DA Cup, advancing the program to the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons.
He was instrumental in developing multiple players that advanced to MLS youth academies with various MLS franchises. He also graduated student-athletes to numerous NCAA Division I men's soccer programs in the eastern corridor, including regional standouts Syracuse, Dayton, Colgate and Rhode Island.
In addition to his time with Empire United, Tanke also served as an Open Territory Scout for the Philadelphia Union Youth Academy for two seasons.
"I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity to return to Buffalo and I would like to thank Bill Maher and Lisa Liotta for trusting me to lead the next chapter in the history of the Canisius men's soccer program," Tanke said. "This is an exciting time for soccer in Western New York, and I cannot wait to get started with our student-athletes. Go Griffs!"
Tanke is no stranger to the collegiate coaching ranks, having spent a total of seven seasons in both assistant coach and operations positions, beginning in 2011 when he served as the director of soccer operations at IUPUI in Indianapolis. He then spent two seasons as a graduate assistant at Castleton University in Vermont. The 2013 season saw Castleton post a 13-4-2 record, the highest winning percentage for the program in 20 seasons, and claim a share of the 2013 North Atlantic Conference regular season title.
Tanke then served as an assistant under veteran head coach Dennis Currier for three seasons at the University of Dayton. With the Flyers, he played a key role in domestic and international recruiting while also aiding in day-to-day team and player development, training sessions and film. The 2015 Dayton squad led the NCAA with 58 goals scored as it claimed the Atlantic 10 Tournament title and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. While with the program, Tanke coached Mac Herman Trophy finalist Amass Amonkona as well as A-10 Defensive Player of the Year and MLS SuperDraft first-round selection Lalas Abubakar. He also coached a pair of United Soccer Coaches Academic All-Americans.
After his time with the Flyers, Tanke relocated to Western New York, spending time as an assistant coach with the men's soccer programs at Buffalo and Niagara before joining Empire United on a full-time basis.
A four-year letterwinner and two-year starter at the University of Rhode Island, Tanke played professionally for parts of three seasons with the Rochester Rhinos before injuries cut short his playing career.
A native of Niles, Mich., Tanke graduated cum laude from Rhode Island with a bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics in 2011. He earned his master's degree in education from Castleton in 2015.
What They're Saying about Michael Tanke
"Canisius has attracted one of the brightest young coaches in the country to be the next leader of its men's soccer program. Michael Tanke will work tirelessly to make the most of this exciting head coaching opportunity. I have complete confidence that he will make a great impact on his student-athletes, the athletic department at Canisius College and on the wider community. Michael is a highly motivated, knowledgeable and committed coach - I look forward to following the future success of the Golden Griffin men's soccer program under his leadership." – Jeff Cook, head men's soccer coach, Penn State
"Michael is a wonderful hire by Canisius. Michael is an exciting young coach, a tireless worker, and an individual of the very highest integrity. He possesses a contagious energy and an enthusiasm that will both inspire and challenge his student-athletes. I know that Michael will fully embrace this terrific opportunity to elevate Canisius soccer, and I look forward to watching the future success of the team. Good luck from Syracuse soccer!" – Ian McIntyre, head men's soccer coach, Syracuse
"Michael is absolutely the right man for the job. His past experience at the Division I level and recent experience working in the top level of youth soccer in the United States will allow him to hit the ground running with recruiting. The current players will feel Michael's passion from the beginning and will enjoy the culture Michael creates within his teams. He develops strong relationships and creates buy-in from his players through positivity and an immense amount of belief. Canisius picked a good one." – Mark Plotkin, head men's soccer coach, DePaul
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