FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NOVEMBER 10, 2022

Spring Lake Park, Minn. – Minnesota Youth Athletic Services (MYAS) has hired baseball specialist Jesse Tollefson as Program Director for their Baseball Operations.

Tollefson joins the MYAS staff after 15 years with the Minnesota Blizzard Baseball Academy, where he served as their Program Director. Tollefson helped grow programs such as the Blizzard Academy’s Elite Pitching Program, the Advanced Fall Baseball League and the Fall Development League. Additionally, Tollefson was a successful coach at the Blizzard Academy, leading several nationally-ranked teams.

“I’m excited for JT,” Blizzard owner Adam Barta said. “Jesse’s contributions have left a significant mark on our program, and he has helped develop some of the most popular Blizzard offerings. Jesse is a dear friend, so it is tough to see him leave, but I am also excited to collaborate with him and MYAS, and I know this is such a good move for him and his family.”

Tollefson will continue to coach for the Minnesota Blizzard during the fall and winter seasons while maintaining his full-time position at MYAS headquarters in Spring Lake Park.

“It’s hard to put into words what my time with the Blizzard has meant,” Tollefson said. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful people. Adam has been a great friend, mentor, and boss over the years, and I’m thankful that I get to continue with the program in a coaching capacity. While leaving a full-time role with the Blizzard is difficult, I look forward to bringing that same passion to MYAS and impacting youth baseball players, families, and communities on a broader level.”

Tollefson’s duties at MYAS will include the administration of Gopher State Baseball tournaments and leagues, training opportunities through the Rising Stars Baseball Academy, and more. 

MYAS Executive Director, Dawson Blanck, has expressed excitement about the development of new programming with the addition of Jesse’s skills, talent, and years of experience.

“Our organization is excited to add Jesse Tollefson to the team,” Blanck said. “We have had the opportunity to collaborate with Jesse and the Minnesota Blizzard over the years through MYAS/Gopher State and feel his addition will be beneficial to both our organizations and the Minnesota youth baseball community.”

The Minnesota Blizzard and MYAS will continue to work together in spaces of common interest outside of the community-based youth baseball season to provide new opportunities for youth baseball players.

Tollefson will begin his duties at MYAS on November 14, 2022.