SENIOR WEEKS: West Chester East’s Olson turns attention to Division I career at Penn State
West Chester East senior center fielder and captain Paige Olson, who was aiming for her 100th career hit for the Vikings this spring, is a one-of-a-kind competitor according to East softball head coach Bobby Swier.
“Through my years of coaching, I have never coached a player quite like Paige,” said Swier. “She works harder than any player I’ve been around and is one of the toughest players, both mentally and physically. She plays the game how it’s supposed to be played. Doesn’t complain, always does what she’s told, and does it 100 miles an hour.”
During Olson’s sophomore year, she suffered an injury and faced season-ending surgery.
“But she didn’t want to give up,” said Swier. “Doctors said she wouldn’t mess it up any further by playing, so she decided to suffer through the pain and play. She never once complained and never once asked to come out. Even though you can tell she was in excruciating pain. Paige is the kind of player that would run through a brick wall if asked for her teammates and coaches.”
As a junior, Olson batted .398 last spring with 39 hits, five triples, 34 runs scored and 22 RBIs, and was looking forward to a stellar senior campaign. Reaching 100 career hits has been a goal of Olson’s since her freshman year.
“During the off season I have been working on my focus at the plate,” said Olson. “I have the tools to bunt, slap, and hit, and have been working on all three to keep the opponents guessing at which I would do.”
Then the COVID-19 pandemic came along, postponing and then eventually cancelling the spring 2020 season.
“Being the captain, I believe it is my role to keep the spirits of the team high,” said Olson. “If we all keep working and encourage each other to work hard on our own during this time, given the chance we can come out stronger together.”
A starter since her freshman year, Olson was lauded for her leadership skills by Swier.
“Paige has been a true leader by example her whole career,” said Swier. “She is someone who works hard to improve her skill, but also someone who takes time to work with her teammates. She’s someone who gets along with anyone and will work and get to know every single player on the team, regardless of skill level.”
Olson’s favorite West Chester East softball memory to date was a contest against Avon Grove last spring.
“What made it so memorable was the pre-game,” said Olson. “This was the game my teammates, coaches, and myself really connected as a unit and realized how fun it was to be a part of this team. We were playing pranks on each other and goofing around, but when game time started we became serious and played our best game as a team. This to me proved that chemistry off the field translates directly onto the field.”
Swier said, “Most importantly, Paige has fun playing softball! She has a great personality, her teammates respect her and appreciate the way she plays the game and the kind of person she is.”
Olson began playing softball in 1st grade for Exton Little League, then continued playing with a number of travel teams. Her favorite travel team was the PA Strikers, for whom she played for six years. She started as a catcher, but the PA Strikers coaching staff moved her to center field, where she plays for West Chester East.
“Another mentor that has positively impacted me is Coach Swier,” said Olson. “The most important thing I have learned from him was the importance of your team and the support they will always give you. I also learned to have more confidence in myself under his coaching.”
A fine student, Olson has been a part of the National Honor Society since her junior year, and has belonged to the Spanish National Honor Society since her sophomore year. She will be playing softball for Penn State University next fall and is thinking of majoring in occupational therapy.
“Since I was a young girl I had always had the dream to attend Penn State,” said Olson. “The thing I love most about the school is the way it feels so welcoming and at home. What attracted me most about the school was how connected and family-like it appears. Every time I step on campus I get more and more excited for it to be my future home.”
To Swier, Olson will leave a legacy at West Chester East, regardless of whether the 2020 spring season gets played or not.
“Statistically, you could argue that she’s the best player to come through West Chester East,” said Swier. “Although she’s someone who couldn’t care less about her stats and is more worried about the team, if you take what she’s done in three years you too would see how she would end up at the top of almost all of our statistical categories.
“She is a great player who we will surely miss when this year is over. We look forward to watching and following as she moves on to Penn State next year!”
