Traverse City Central High School has a new varsity girls soccer coach.

The school announced this week that it had hired Mary Olson to lead the girls soccer program at Central. Olson, who is identified as “a former Division 1 athlete” in a press release, has been an assistant coach at Central for the past three years.

Olson spent her college years as a four-year starting player for the St. Louis University soccer team, a “playing background” that TCAPS hopes will provide “a valuable perspective that will benefit the Traverse City Central Trojans,” per the press release. In addition to her coaching role, Olson also works as a social worker for Northwest Education Services.

“We are excited to officially add Coach Olson to our staff,” said Central High School Athletic Director Justin Thorington in the release. “Her experience playing at a high level, combined with her dedication to developing young women into champions both on and off the field, will be incredibly valuable for our program and our athletes.”

“I am honored to step into this role and continue to build on the strong foundation of our program,” Olson said. “Having been a part of this team for the past three years, I'm excited to lead such a hardworking and talented group of girls. I've seen firsthand their dedication and passion, and I look forward to helping them grow both on and off the field.”