From LPGA Star to Football Wife: Amy Olson’s Post-retirement Life
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FRISCO, Texas — Life after the LPGA Tour is surprisingly less stressful for Amy Olson. The recently retired professional golfer,who boasts an impressive NCAA record and a runner-up finish in the 2020 U.S. Women’s Open, now enjoys a more relaxed pace. “I can see how people can play this sport for fun,” she laughs. “I’m not there yet, but I can see how people do it.”
Olson’s decade-long LPGA career included 13 top-10 finishes,three in majors,and over $2.7 million in earnings.She competed in 196 tournaments, a testament to her dedication and competitive spirit. While she admits to missing the competition “sometimes,” her current life offers a different kind of fulfillment.
Supporting her husband, Grant Olson, the North Dakota State (NDSU) Bison defensive coordinator, provides a unique perspective. “I don’t feel like I live and die with every play,” Amy explains, speaking from the Bison team hotel. “I want Grant to succeed, but I think we both have a bigger perspective than sports. It feels very different to me watching than competing.”
saturdays now revolve around ESPN’s “College GameDay,” a shift reflecting her new priorities. “Game day has become a little more football-centric,” she admits. “But a lot of my role is to make sure Grant doesn’t have to stress about anything outside of football on game day. I’m worried about Carly and making sure whatever family that is in town is taken care of.”
Her final LPGA tournament, the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open, was particularly memorable. Competing at seven months pregnant, she nearly made the cut before falling short on Friday. “I figure my baby will be a fan of the beach as I found a bunker more than I would have liked,” she quipped.
Her daughter, Carly, is now a part of the NDSU football journey, and a new sibling is expected in April. Carly even received a set of golf clubs from her grandfather, leading to a humorous anecdote. ”He says all thay have are thes plastic ones,” Amy shares. “I’m like, you want her to have metal clubs in our house at 1 years old? No. Plastic is the way to go.”
Amy’s college days involved attending Bison football games, where she watched Grant play. Their relationship blossomed later, and the pandemic provided an unexpected opportunity for her to learn the intricacies of the sport.”I’m like, huh, that’s a term I thought was a state, that’s a term I thought was a color,” she recalls. “Apparently it has another meaning.”
Despite retirement, Olson remains engaged with the LPGA, recently voicing her opinions on a tour gender policy.”I still care a lot about the tour,” she states, highlighting her continued connection to the sport.
Former LPGA Star Prioritizes Family Life
amy, a former star on the LPGA tour, has traded the greens for the joys of motherhood, prioritizing family over a professional return to the world of competitive golf. While she cherishes her past experiences, her current focus lies elsewhere.
Her dedication to women’s golf remains strong. “I care a lot about women’s sports in general and women’s golf specifically,” she said. “The opportunities I got from it were life-changing. The people I got to meet and the places I got to go.”
Despite the profound impact her golf career had, Amy has no plans for a professional comeback. She embraces her new role, describing herself as a “professional mom.” This shift reflects a conscious decision to concentrate her energy on her family.
Her decision stems from a clear understanding of her own capabilities. “I don’t do well when I’m trying to do too many things,” Amy explained. “I do well when I’m focused.” This prioritization of family over a demanding professional career resonates with many american mothers who juggle multiple responsibilities.
Amy’s story highlights the challenges and rewards of balancing a demanding career with the responsibilities of family life, a theme that resonates deeply with many American women.
Her journey serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the importance of prioritizing personal well-being and focusing on what truly matters. While her LPGA career may be behind her, her legacy continues to inspire.
Veteran Journalist Jeff Kolpack Celebrates Three Decades at The Forum
Jeff Kolpack, a name synonymous with insightful reporting in North Dakota, recently marked a critically important milestone: three decades of dedicated service with Forum Communications. his career, spanning from the Jamestown Sun to the Bismarck Tribune and, since 1990, The Forum, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to journalism.
Kolpack, whose family history is steeped in the world of words – his father a reporter, his mother an English teacher, and his brother also a journalist – brings a unique perspective and deep-rooted passion to his craft. His career has been marked by significant achievements, including extensive coverage of North Dakota State University (NDSU) athletics since 1995.
“Jeff would like to dispel the notion he was around when Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press,” kolpack quipped, highlighting his extensive experiance. “But he is on his third decade of reporting with Forum Communications.”
his dedication to NDSU athletics is particularly noteworthy. Kolpack has been a firsthand witness to the Bison’s remarkable rise, covering all nine of their division I FCS national football championships. This unparalleled coverage has provided readers with in-depth analysis and compelling narratives of NDSU’s success, solidifying his position as a key voice in the state’s sports journalism landscape.
Beyond his journalistic contributions, Kolpack has also made his mark as a successful author.He has penned three books: “Horns Up,” “North Dakota Tough,” and “covid Kids,” each offering unique perspectives on the state’s culture, resilience, and experiences.These works further demonstrate his commitment to storytelling and his ability to connect with readers on a deeper level.
Adding another dimension to his already impressive portfolio, Kolpack hosts “The Golf Show with Jeff Kolpack” on the radio from April through August, showcasing his versatility and engaging personality. This further underscores his ability to connect with audiences across various media platforms.
Kolpack’s three decades of service represent a significant contribution to North Dakota journalism. His dedication, insightful reporting, and engaging storytelling have earned him a well-deserved reputation as one of the state’s most respected journalists.
From the Fairway to the Sidelines: Amy Olson Embraces New Chapter
Former LPGA star Amy Olson is trading in her golf clubs for cheerleader pom-poms these days. While she still cherishes her time on the professional tour, Olson has embraced a new chapter centered around family and supporting her husband, Grant Olson, the defensive coordinator for the north Dakota State University Bison football team.
Family First
Senior Editor,world-today-news.com: Amy,congratulations on yoru retirement from the LPGA and welcome to the world of college football!
This is quite a transition,how are you finding it?
Amy Olson:
Thank you! It’s definitely a different pace than competing on the LPGA Tour,but I’m loving it. Being able to focus on family and support Grant has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing the game thru his eyes brings a whole new recognition for the sport.
Senior Editor, world-today-news.com: from competing at the highest level of golf to navigating the world of college football, it seems like your life has made a gorgeous 180-degree turn. How has this transition impacted your outlook and priorities?
Amy Olson:
That’s a great way to put it. I’ve always known family was crucial, but now it’s the central focus. Honestly,I don’t miss the pressure and stress of being a professional golfer as much as I thought I woudl. Seeing Grant succeed and watching our daughter,Carly,grow brings a whole new kind of fulfillment.
Life After the LPGA
Senior Editor, world-today-news.com: Many athletes struggle with the transition away from competition. You achieved so much during your LPGA career – a runner-up finish in the U.S Women’s Open, Top-10 finishes, over $2.7 million in earnings – how have you found your footing in post-retirement life?
Amy Olson:
It definitely hasn’t been without its adjustments. I went from a very structured and demanding schedule to having more versatility. It took a while to find my rhythm, but finding my purpose in supporting our family has been incredibly grounding.
Senior Editor, world-today-news.com:
It’s inspiring to see how you’ve embraced this new chapter. What advice would you give to other athletes facing the transition into retirement?
amy Olson:
Don’t be afraid to explore new passions and interests. Sometimes the things we’re most passionate about aren’t necessarily the things we’ve been doing professionally. it’s important to be open to new experiences and allow yourself to grow and evolve.
A Legacy Continues
Senior Editor, world-today-news.com:
You’re still involved in the golf world through commentary and advocacy. What are your thoughts on the direction of women’s golf?
Amy Olson:
I’m incredibly passionate about seeing women’s golf continue to thrive. There’s so much talent and potential out there, and it’s important to continue providing opportunities for young women to pursue their golfing dreams.
Senior Editor, world-today-news.com:
As you watch Carly grow, do you see any future golfers in her?
Amy Olson:
[Laughs] Right now, she’s more interested in tearing up the plastic golf clubs than actually playing. We’ll see! Maybe she’ll follow in her parents’ footsteps, or maybe she’ll forge her own path entirely. Either way, I’ll be her biggest cheerleader.
