For Erica Olson, the years may add up on paper, but in her mind, the game has never really stopped.

Full Interview

When she hears that her final season, then as Erica White, in a Dordt uniform came in 2015, it still catches her off guard. More than a decade removed from her playing days, Olson admits it hardly feels that long ago. That sense of connection is no accident. Softball has remained a constant in her life, evolving from a passion as a player into a purpose as a coach and mentor.

"I still feel young," Olson said. "And I think staying involved in the game has helped with that."

That involvement has been steady and intentional, rooted in a love for competition that began long before her collegiate career. Growing up, Olson was immersed in athletics, sampling everything from soccer to gymnastics. By the time she reached middle school, she was trying nearly every sport available, embracing the chance to compete and connect.

But it was softball that stuck.

From youth leagues through high school and into travel ball, Olson found not only success but identity in the sport. It offered competition, camaraderie, and a sense of empowerment that carried into other areas of her life.

"I just loved it," she said. "The competitiveness, the relationships, the feeling that I could do something on my own—it kept me coming back."

Along the way, influential coaches helped shape that experience. A travel coach provided early encouragement and perspective, helping her navigate the ups and downs of competition. At the collegiate level, stops at Marshalltown Community College and Dordt further refined her skills and deepened her understanding of the game.

More importantly, those coaches taught lessons that extended beyond the field.

"They found ways to teach us about life," Olson said. "Not just softball, but how to handle things day to day."

Those lessons would later define her own coaching philosophy.

Even while she was still playing, Olson began to see a future that kept her close to the game. A lifelong interest in teaching paired naturally with her passion for softball, and by her freshman year of college, she had already taken
steps toward coaching certification.

She never really considered leaving the sport behind.

"I just wanted to share my passion," she said. "To help younger players see what was possible."

That vision became reality at Boone High School, where Olson is entering her eighth season as head coach. What began as her first opportunity to lead a program has turned into a meaningful chapter of growth—for both her teams and herself.

Taking over at a young age came with challenges.  But those experiences helped her develop a clearer coaching voice, one built on trust, communication, and adaptability.

"I rely on what we see in practice, trust my assistants, and just keep learning," she said.

That willingness to grow has paid off. In 2021, Olson guided Boone to the state championship game, a milestone that stands out as one of the defining moments of her career. Though the team fell just short of a title, the experience reinforced what she values most: relationships and shared achievement.

"It was just special," she said. "That whole week, everything about it."

Across seven graduating classes and counting, Olson has focused on more than wins and losses. She has worked to build a program that develops not only players, but future leaders. Former athletes have returned to assist with the program or give lessons in the community, extending the impact beyond the field.

"I want them to see they can give back," Olson said. "Whether it's coaching or helping younger players, they have something to offer."

That mindset reflects a broader perspective she has gained over time, one that now includes balancing coaching with life beyond the diamond.

This summer will mark a new chapter.

Olson and her husband are expecting their first child, a daughter, and for the first time in more than two decades, she will step away from the dugout for a season. The decision to take a sabbatical was not easy, but it was necessary.

"I've always been a player or a coach," she said. "I've never really stepped back."

That change, she believes, may ultimately make her better. Observing the game from a distance could provide new insights, while motherhood will bring a fresh perspective on leadership and influence.

"I think I'm going to learn a lot," she said. "And then bring that back."

Even in stepping away, her connection to the sport remains strong. She has stayed involved in offseason preparation, ensuring a smooth transition for her staff and players. And looking ahead, her long-term goal remains unchanged: to coach at the collegiate level and continue helping athletes reach their potential.

For now, though, the focus is on what comes next—both on and off the field.

As she reflects on her journey, Olson is quick to offer advice to the next generation. It is a message shaped by her own experiences, both as a player and a coach.

"Don't be so hard on yourself," she said. "Be proud of what you're doing. Surround yourself with people who support you, and don't give up."