Walker Gotzinger (MSU-Mankato '20) was named as Augsburg's Interim Head Strength and Conditioning Coach in August 2025. He had served since 2022 as the Auggies' Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach.
As a Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, Gotzinger brings a blend of technical expertise, a passion for athlete development, and a commitment to preparing student-athletes for success both in competition and beyond.
Previous Coaching Experience
Since 2020, he has worked in the private sector, contracting training with individual athletes as well as team training in the Twin Cities. In the summer of 2022, Gotzinger served a mentorship under Kirk Olson, former Minnesota Wild Strength and Conditioning Coach, working with collegiate hockey athletes. He most recently served at Redline Athletics as a Director of Sports Performance.
In October 2022, Walker joined Augsburg as an Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach, where he worked directly with volleyball, baseball, women’s wrestling, men’s and women’s soccer, and swimming & diving, while also providing support for hockey, basketball, and football. His coaching philosophy emphasizes building a strong foundation for long-term athletic success.
Education/Certification/Personal Notes
Gotzinger earned his Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science, with minors in sports medicine and coaching, in 2020 from Minnesota State University-Mankato. Dedicated to professional growth, he earned his Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential through the National Strength & Conditioning Association in 2021 and became a Certified Sports Nutrition Coach (CSNC) through the National Academy of Sports Medicine in 2023.
A native of Cassville, Wis., he currently resides in Plymouth, Minn.
Mission
"You can't build a great building on a weak structure. You must have a strong foundation if you are going to have a strong superstructure." - Gordon B. Hinkley.
One thing I preach to our athletes is that our habits define our goals. Each day, it is our mission to set the foundation with good habits, if we are to achieve our end goals. I am looking forward to seeing our athletes become successful individuals inside and outside of their sports.
