Founded 1901

Royal Purple

Founded 1901

Royal Purple

Founded 1901

Royal Purple

Senior Olsen an unsung hero

To many players, putting a jersey on while getting ready for a game is just a part of the traditional preparation prior to tip-off. For senior forward Melissa Olsen, she knows that donning the purple and white means much more.

Senior Melissa Olsen has been the definition of “team player” during her four-year career. As the ’Hawks make a push for the NCAA tourney, they will depend on Olsen. Photo by Crystal Meyer

Playing in her final season for the women’s basketball team, Olsen has given her heart and soul to the program and is now reaping the benefits.

While averaging 4.6 points per game and 3.5 rebounds per game, Olsen has started all 23 games for the Warhawks, is second in field goal percentage (minimum of 50 attempts) and fourth in minutes played.

After playing sparingly her first two years, Olsen came off the bench regularly last year before becoming a key contributor this season.

Head coach Keri Carollo said players like Olsen are what strengthen the program.

“It’s just nice to have players that are low maintenance,” Carollo said. “She’s very mature, and she’s a great leader. She’s very good to her teammates and is just a great person to have around.”

The Carol Stream, Ill., native’s drive to better her craft is one thing that sets her apart from others.

Many players enter college basketball with lofty expectations after being decorated players in high school. Olsen watched mostly in her first three years due to very experienced players in front of her.                    She used this, though, to her advantage.

“I had some of the best players in the country to learn from, so I was focused on getting better by taking what I was told and trying to apply it to my game,” Olsen said. “I couldn’t dwell on mistakes because that would set me back when I wanted to move forward.”

Moving forward is something Olsen has done since she stepped foot on the UW-Whitewater campus. After learning from the best her first few years, she is now leading a young team that has the potential to make some noise in the post-season.

“I just like to keep some things in mind while I’m playing,” Olsen said. “And that is to always communicate, make sure I’m giving 100 percent while I am on the floor and to be a leader on and off the court.”

Program players such as Olsen may not lead the team in scoring or assists.

However, they are crucial to the fabric and cohesiveness of a winning team.

“She is definitely a leader by example with her work ethic,” Carollo said. “She’s very vocal with her teammates in helping them to get where it takes to win games.”

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Founded 1901
Senior Olsen an unsung hero