June 10, 2024

Olson returns to NIACC as assistant volleyball coach

MASON CITY - Andie Olson was a two-time all-region volleyball player at NIACC in 1991 and 1992.

Now she will return to NIACC as an assistant volleyball coach/recruiting coordinator under 15th year head coach Chris Brandt starting in the 2024 season.

"I'm excited to get back to where it all began back in 1991," Olson said. "Some of my best memories are from being a Trojan and all the relationships made here."

Olson is currently the club director and board member for the North Iowa Blaze. She has served in that role since 2020.

"I've worked with Coach Brandt through the North Iowa Blaze and we have built a strong relationship," Olson said. "I feel like we are alike in a lot of ways and yet we both bring a variety of experiences to the table.

"Coaching at the college level has always been a dream of mine and this seemed like the perfect fit and time. Plus, as an alum, I couldn't be more excited to get back to NIACC."

Olson, who is a second grade teacher in the Osage Community School District, was the head volleyball coach at Osage High School from 2006-18.

She was the co-head volleyball coach at Charles City High School in 2020. She also served as a volunteer volleyball coach at Charles City from 2021-23.

"I feel like I will be able to bring a different voice and set of eyes to the program," Olson said. "I have a lot of strong relationships with coaches and athletes across the state so I am hoping that can help us recruit and show off what NIACC has to offer."

At Osage, she led the Green Devils to the state tournament in 2016, 2017 and 2018. She was the Iowa Girls Coaches Association district coach of the year in 2017 and 2018 and was also the Top of Iowa coach of the year in 2017 and 2018.

Olson was also the North Iowa Conference coach of the year in 2008.

She was honored with the Iowa USA Volleyball region service award in 2009 and won the Iowa USA Volleyball Region Meritorious Award in 2008.

Olson was a two-time all-region volleyball player at NIACC in 1991 and 1992. She was a second-team all-region pick in 1991 and a first-team selection in 1992.

Olson was a three-sport athlete at NIACC as she also played basketball and softball.

"I have always been a huge proponent of multi-sport student/athletes," she said, "and have modeled that throughout my career by coaching various sports."