Underground volunteer coach Grace Olson arrived at the rink after her seven hour work day. Olson was immediately greeted by the smell of old hockey gear and some of the players who already had questions to ask and things they had to tell her.
This season, Olson has been a significant part of the girls hockey team. Whether it be helping tape the goalie’s knees, braid hair, making the social media posts, or just being someone that the girls could talk to (especially me), Olson has given her time and effort to everyone.
Olson works her day job as a behavior therapist for children that need more help before being sent off to public schooling. Although the groups of people differ greatly, she still believes that it translates and makes her a better coach and a better provider for the children.
Olson dedicates a lot of who she is to coaching, as well. She has been coaching the past five years on a plethora of Spartan teams both youth program and high school affiliated.
“Coaching has taught me more about patience and boundary setting; telling people to do something and them just having to do it, but at the same time still being there for them,” said Olson.
I first met Olson when I was 14 years old playing on the Spartan all boys Bantam A team. Being the only girl on the team was a struggle. When Olson was introduced to the team after she transferred to UW-Superior from UW-Whitewater, that is when I finally felt like I had support and someone who was on my side.
Because of Olson’s degree in psychology, she knows how to make anyone feel comfortable, while also knowing how to respond to the more difficult situations. In moments of high stress and tension, Olson remains calm and reassures the team that any problem can be solved.
Although Olson was not named or paid as an official member of the coaching staff, her work ethic and dedication did not go unnoticed. That is one of the reasons I believe her impact was so substantial; Olson only missed a total of two practices the entire season.
“All the details she took care of, from minor things like hair ties, to making sure players had support in the locker room, whether it be homework, nutrition, skating. Her ability to listen, problem solve and her willingness to jump on any issues and help, fed into our team dynamic of an unselfish, resilient hockey team,” said assistant coach Scott Olson.
Scott Olson also happens to be Grace Olson’s father. It was Scott Olson that first connected her to the team.
Over these last five years Olson has been like an older sister that has shown me how to be a better leader by teaching me how to use my voice. She has taught me more about what my values are, helping guide me through the college recruitment process, and finding what makes me happy. Although I will be in black and yellow instead of columbia blue and white next year, I will still remember all of the knowledge and kindness Olson has shown me.
