Vikings athletics caught up with fourth-year soccer player Taylor Olsen to hear how she’s been keeping busy and the best advice she has ever received  (which she continues to use when working with young players).

Q: What is your program of study and what do you hope to do with that degree? 

TO: I am taking a bachelor of arts, majoring in interdisciplinary studies and I am considering looking into some form of healthcare technician.

Q: What are you hoping to achieve in your soccer career?

TO: I am hoping to play another year for Augustana (COVID-19 permitting) and have a strong year with my teammates.

Q: How did you get your start in soccer?

TO: I started playing soccer when I was six years old here in Camrose. I still remember our team name that season: The Red Mustangs.

Q: Why did you choose to become a Viking?

TO: I grew up in Camrose and loved that I would have the opportunity to continue to represent my hometown while staying close to family.

Q: What is the best thing about being a Viking?

TO: I love being a role model for the young female soccer players that I coach and I love the bond between the coaches and players.

Q: How do you spend your free time when you are not in the gym or field?

TO: I spend most of my time wishing the snow would melt and watching Community on Netflix!

Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

TO: If you want to give someone constructive criticism, always start with a compliment! As a result, people are more likely to respond positively to your critique and it's fantastic for coaching kids.

Q: Who influenced your soccer career and/or life the most?

TO: My family has influenced my soccer career the most; they have always supported me.

Q: How have you been keeping busy this year while everything is on pause because of the pandemic?

TO: At-home workouts, sewing and a ton of Netflix!

You can hear more from Vikings athletes and coaches Friday mornings with Scott Mitchell on New Country 98.1.