In celebration of National Coaches Week, we’re spotlighting a familiar face in the Western Collegiate Softball Association — former standout player turned coach, Ainsley Olson.
Olson’s softball journey began south of the border at Lake Region State College in Devils Lake, North Dakota, where she competed in the NJCAA. Playing on scholarship for the Royals, she balanced her time on the field with studies in the Fitness Trainer Technician Program. Her impact was immediate: as a freshman, Olson struck out 116 batters, earned 10 wins, and set the program’s record for most innings pitched in a season (115) — a mark that still stands today. She capped off her time there with a spot on the Mon-Dak All-Region Team.
Returning home to Alberta, Olson joined the University of Lethbridge softball team, where she played three seasons while pursuing her education at Lethbridge Polytechnic. Her final year was nothing short of remarkable. Posting a .516 batting average with 47 hits, 57 strikeouts in the circle, and a .966 fielding percentage, she swept the WCSA awards:
- Most Outstanding Player
- Top Batter
- First Team All-Star (Centre Field)
After wrapping up her collegiate career in fall 2024, Olson didn’t hang up her cleats for long. Instead, she returned to the diamond in a new role — assistant coach with her former Lethbridge squad.
Reflecting on the transition, Olson admits it wasn’t easy:
“My transition from player to coach was definitely hard at first, from playing this sport my entire life, to transitioning to the sidelines. I will say, it did make the transition a little easier knowing I can still be on the diamond cheering on the girls and giving them guidance. I am super grateful to still be a part of the culture and environment as an assistant coach! I think I’ll be sticking around for a while!”
For Olson, the game hasn’t ended — it’s simply taken on a new form. From strikeouts to strategy, she’s proving that leadership on the diamond doesn’t stop when the playing days do.
