Senior Sonia Olson, a versatile runner with the ability to compete in many events, announced her commitment to Tufts University via Instagram on Thursday. Olson is a member of the girls track and field team, as well as the cross country team.
Olson runs during all three seasons for the high school and, this fall, led the cross country team to a sectional championship, while also setting a school record with a time of 18:52 in the 5K. Last year, she was a member of the very successful 4×800-meter winter relay team and broke the school record in the 600.
Olson usually races in the 800, the 1600 and in several relays.
Olson will be joining the Jumbos next fall, a Division III school in the New England Small College Athletic Conference. Tufts is located just outside of Boston, MA, and contains one of the most impressive outdoor track and field facilities in New England.
“I chose Tufts because I really enjoyed my visit there,” said Olson. “I went on a seven-mile run with the team and asked them tons of questions. From what I learned from the girls, I thought Tufts would be a really good fit for me.”
Not only did Olson think Tufts was the perfect school for her, but her father and aunt also attended the university, which was another positive factor.
Olson chose Tufts, a Division III school, over Division I schools despite having offers because “I prioritize academics over athletics. My preference was to go to a Division III school with stronger academics, rather than a weaker academic Division I school with all the benefits of being a Division I athlete,” said Olson.
Bowdoin, also a member of NESCAC, was another school Olson was considering and is located in Maine. Olson’s brother is on the track team at Bowdoin, but Olson came to the conclusion that Tufts would be the place for her as Olson wants to “blaze my own path.”
Olson’s senior winter track season is underway where she will look to lead WHS to another historic season and bring home more hardware.
