Soccer Star Commits to Northeastern

This spring, Natalie Olsen (’21) committed to play college soccer at Northeastern University, an NCAA Division I school in Boston.

This marks a goal realized for Natalie, who started playing soccer at age six. These days, she plays club soccer with Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) and supports Holy Spirit Prep on the varsity soccer team. In ECNL, she plays left outside back – a defensive position. Playing for Holy Spirit Prep gives her an opportunity to experiment by trying midfield and offense positions. In her sophomore year, she successfully played the team’s high striker, the most forward offense position. “Aside from her high soccer IQ and technical skill,” said varsity coach Pete Radosta about her play style, “Natalie is able to use both feet, which is a feat all on its own!”

Though she says most of the girls on her club team will eventually play for college, Natalie was the first on her team to receive an offer. Northeastern was already on her radar. “My parents went to school there,” she said, “so I was looking at schools in Boston.” Better yet, her offer came with a position – she’ll be replacing Northeastern’s outgoing outside back when she arrives on campus in 2021. “That definitely made me want to say yes, that I had a spot on the team [my freshman year],” Natalie said. She does have one reservation about Boston, though: “It’s going to be cold! I don’t know how I’ll deal with that.”

Even though college is over a year away. Natalie says she feels a strong connection with the coaching staff, and looks forward to the day she steps on the pitch with the Lady Huskies. “I went to one of the games and met the team after the game,” she said. “They were really nice.” In the meantime, Natalie will attend Northeastern’s soccer and talent identification camps as a committed athlete, and work with girls interested in attending Northeastern. “I’ll also get to make an official overnight visit where I’ll practice with the team.”

“Natalie has the skill and the soccer vision to be a successful standout at Northeastern,” said Coach Radosta.