Grace Olsen '20 Recruiting Profile

My name is Grace Olsen, I started playing hockey when I was 8 years old.  After the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup in 2010 I knew I had to start playing but it took my parents some time to convince.  I borrowed my older cousin's hockey gear and roller bladed up and down the street all summer in his old gear until they signed me up.  I am observant and focused on the ice and have been told I am highly coachable, which is easy - because I want to improve.  I've played on top teams and teams that ranked farther down in the rankings and have learned that losing is part of getting better and achieving long term success.  I am excited and honored to play with Team Illinois this year.  I have worked hard to play at this level and I'm going to do everything I can to help my team and show them I deserve my spot in net. 

I am a good student because I know I need to do well in order for my parents to let me play hockey and to create opportunities for myself down the road.  My high school, Maine West is the best high school in the world.  We have so much school spirit and there is so much support and nice people that I look forward to going every day.  Outside of playing with my team, I practice hockey in my driveway for several additional hours every week.  I have a hockey account on instagram where I post hockey videos I do for fun (hky.trix50).  When I'm not playing hockey, I enjoy being outdoors with my friends and playing other sports or cheering on my younger brother and sister at their sporting events.  I'm really lucky to have a great life with supportive parents and a strong support network.

Thank you for taking the time to read my personal statement.

Grace