Women's Cross Country

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Lola Olsen, UW-River Falls

Each week during the 2025-26 academic year, the WIAC will feature two student-athletes (one male and one female) from one of its eight institutions for a “Student-Athlete Spotlight” Q & A segment. The segments will be posted every Thursday and individuals are selected by the institution. The WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlights are presented by Culver's.

Name:  Lola Olsen
Institution:  UW-River Falls
Hometown and High School:  Hayward, Wis. (Hayward)
Year in school:  Freshman
Sports:  Cross Country and Track & Field
Major:  Animal Science

Why did you choose UW-River Falls?
I chose UW-River Falls because the area and community are very welcoming. Our student body and athletics department are also very inviting and supportive. Additionally, I liked that River Falls has great opportunities within the agricultural field and animal science industry.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
Currently, I am part of the Honors Program here on campus and am involved in several ministry groups, including our campus Unashamed Bible Study. As a freshman, I am excited to become even more involved in various clubs and organizations throughout this year, and the years to come.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being an NCAA Division III student-athlete?
I enjoy competing in the WIAC because of how competitive it is not only in Cross Country and Track & Field, but across all sports. I love that there is always room for improvement and opportunities to compete at a high level in Division III, while still remembering to value and appreciate our physical ability to compete in the sports we love.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Vanilla concrete mixer with Oreos
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Caramel Fudge Cookie Dough
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  The University Center
TV Show?  Outer Banks
Holiday?  Christmas
Food?  Donuts
Animal?  Dogs
Smartphone App?  TikTok
Musical Group or Artist?  Drake
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  Minnesota Vikings
Vacation Spot?  Cozumel, Mexico
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
My first ever collegiate cross country race was our home opener this season. Experiencing the support from our community and racing with my teammates for the very first time was an incredible memory I will keep forever. I’m looking forward to having more amazing sports moments in my time running here at River Falls.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
I love to have dinner with my teammates and spend an evening watching a show or movie together.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
I look up to both of my parents. They have shown me how to be self-reliant, responsible, and hard-working. They are always there for me no matter what and I would not be where I am today without them.
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Don’t limit yourself. We are all capable of much more than we give ourselves credit for. Don’t be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone and take risks. These risks will pay off in the long run
 
If your team had a theme song, what would it be?
Don’t Stop Believin’ by Journey
 
What is your dream job? 
Animal Behaviorist
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Skydiving
---Taking a road trip across the country
---Ziplining over a tropical area
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
I have been playing piano for over ten years.

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
Summer Olympics
 
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I don’t have many pre-race superstitions, but I always need to have a team breakdown and motivation/pep talk with my team right before starting a race.
 
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