Senior Olivia Douglas happily runs on the softball field. Photo by Riley Nelson.
Almost ten years of playing and countless hours of practice has paid off for senior Olivia Douglas. Douglas has committed to playing softball at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota.
“SDSU gave me a really great opportunity to play softball at a D1 level and it has always been my dream so it was something I couldn’t pass up,” said Douglas.
Douglas will finish her senior year this semester in order to attend SDSU in the spring and immediately start playing softball for their team.
“I really like the town that SDSU is in. It’s six hours away, so I can come home if I need to, but I am also away from home,” said Douglas.
However, Douglas will miss out on some of the traditional plans for seniors that occur.
“I will miss playing basketball and participating in the other senior activities that take place during second semester,” said Douglas.
Last year Douglas switched from her childhood Hastings Crush team to the Nebraska Quakes.
“I was playing a lot better teams this summer with the Quakes. More college coaches were at the tournaments and I learned to play with girls that I have never played with before, which is a skill I’m going to need in college,” said Douglas.
Another helpful resource that aided Douglas in reaching her goal was her teammates and coaches.
“My team and coaches knew that playing college softball was a goal of mine and they helped me to achieve that goal,” said Douglas.
Head Coach, Pete Theoharis, has been coaching Douglas since she was eight years old.
“Olivia has developed tremendous skills through her hard work and dedication. She is a tremendously competitive young lady, who strives to be her best,” said Theoharis.
Douglas has helped the Hastings High team achieve great things over the years. She has been the varsity pitcher since her freshman year.
“Olivia’s commitment rubs off on those around her. Her love of softball is infectious and motivational to others,” said Theoharis.
Her friends, family, teammates, and coaches wish Douglas the best of luck on her new adventure.
