Since graduating from Oakdale High School in 2012, Kaila Olson has been making a difference for athletes at the collegiate level.
A former softball standout, today Olson has a career as a head sports dietitian at The Ohio State University for the Buckeyes football team.
“I have been doing this since 2019. It is very rewarding and exciting. I truly enjoy it,” said Olson.
Following high school, she attended UC Davis for four years where she majored in Sports Nutrition. Olson played softball for the Aggies. She then went to Ohio State where she began to follow her passion for sports and diet. While her plan was to pursue nursing as a career after high school, she said that changed when she was introduced to the world of being a sports dietitian by her mentor.
“I love working with high profile athletes and being a part of the program,” she said of her work at Ohio State.
During her time with Oakdale, Olson played softball all four years. She played for the junior varsity team her freshman season and played three years at the varsity level. Her senior season, Oakdale won a Section Championship.
“Winning Sections my senior season was the highlight of my Mustangs career for sure. We were a fun group,” she said.
Olson credits her parents Mike and Kelly Olson for her success and said that she continues to focus on the positive and loves tackling any challenge.
“I really do not know what my biggest challenge has been, but I will tell you that I embrace challenges,” Olson explained. “Challenges are a privilege, and I view it as an opportunity to better yourself.”
The advice she wants to give young student-athletes is: “Do not be afraid of hard work. It gets you to lots of places in life. It builds up your confidence, it motivates you and keeps you focused and humble.”
Her hobbies include outdoor activities such as running, jogging and hiking.
“Memorable Mustangs” is a summer series that highlights former Oakdale High School student-athletes and where they are now. If you are or if you know of a student-athlete who graduated from OHS from 2010-2024 and would like to have featured in the series, email Dennis D. Cruz at ddcruzsports@gmail.com.
