ELKINS - Davis & Elkins College Director of Athletics Jamie Joss has announced the hiring of Jordan Olson as the 12th head softball coach in program history on Tuesday.
 
"With every new coaching hire, you can see the investment, support and trust provided from the head coaches who have served as mentors throughout their lives," said Joss. "Jordan was by far the most well-prepared candidate throughout the entire interview process and I believe that's a direct reflection of Coach Littrell's influence and the rest of the staff at Doane.  Jordan not only answered each question with the poise and perspective of a veteran head coach, but she provided a plan, vision and infectious enthusiasm that was unanimously embraced by the current softball student-athletes."
 
Olson comes to Elkins after three seasons as an assistant coach at Doane University. Olson started as a graduate assistant and was promoted to the top assistant coach of the NAIA program under head coach Renae Littrell, before also serving as the interim head coach for the Tigers.  She completed her Master's Degree in Education from Doane in 2016.
 
"I would like to thank Athletic Director Jamie Joss and the hiring committee for their kindness and support during the entire interview process," said Olson. "I'm very excited to become a part of Senator Nation. I think it is a big-time opportunity and a great challenge I am thrilled to begin."
 
At Doane, Olson worked primarily with the outfielders and slap hitters, but the Mayville, North Dakota native assisted in all facets of the softball program, including a heavy emphasis on recruiting, strength and conditioning, and softball operations.
 
"My personal philosophy with any new head coaching hire is finding someone who is a great person who will mentor our student-athletes to become the possible teammate in education, sport and life," Joss added. "Jordan is not only a coach who will build a culture of structure, high expectations and accountability to the program, but will be personally modeling the example of the type of softball graduates we strive to produce at D&E."
 
During her time in Crete, Nebraska, Olson helped coach three NAIA Scholar-Athlete teams and two NAIA National Tournament teams, the first two in school history. Olson was also a part of the NAIA Regional Coaching Staff of the year this past season.
 
"It has been a dream of mine to become a head softball coach," said Olson. "I am committed to impacting the lives of young athletes. I am blessed with the opportunity and  look forward to working with the team, current coaches & athletic department and continue to build on top of the foundation Senator Softball has created both academically and athletically."
 
Olson was a two-year member of the Mayville State softball program from 2007-09 and earned her Bachelor's of Science degree in Physical Education & Health, with a minors in Coaching and Developmental Adapted Physical Education in 2011.
 
Olson joined the Doane coaching staff after serving as a college instructor in the HPER Department and assistant softball coach at her alma mater in the Fall of 2013.  Prior to Mayville State, she spent a year in San Diego, Calif. as an assistant coach at Patrick Henry High School.
 
Olson and the Davis & Elkins College Softball team will begin their season in mid-February, as the Senators travel to St. Andrews and Fayetteville State in North Carolina on February 18-19, 2017.
 
What They Say About Jordan Olson
Renae Littrell, Head Softball Coach Doane University
"Coach Olson will work to bring organization, structure, and enthusiasm to the Davis & Elkins softball program. She will be a great addition to the athletic department."
 
Jill McCartney, Director of Athletics at Doane University
"Taking the reins at Davis & Elkins is what Jordan has been preparing for since she came to Doane.  With Coach Renae Littrell's mentoring and guidance, Jordan has learned how to build a softball program on the foundation of hard work, discipline, integrity, and enthusiasm.  Jordan is ready for the next step in her career and will do a terrific job as Head Softball Coach for the Senators.  We will miss her at Doane, but we are very happy for this opportunity that she has rightfully earned."
 
Jessica Jones-Sitzmann, Head Softball Coach Morningside College
 "You are getting a quality young lady. She is a very driven individual and passionate about our sport and cares about her players."