A Full-Circle Journey: How Emily Olson is Giving Back to the St. Croix Community
- Apr 26
- 2 min read
For many athletes, the transition from player to mentor is a natural evolution, but finding the right environment to foster that growth is key. For Emily Olson, a coach in the Rec & Dev League, St. Croix Soccer Club offered a unique opportunity to return to her roots. Having grown up on the pitch, Emily joined the coaching staff two years ago, drawn by the club’s rare commitment to the long-term development of players from age three through their entire competitive careers.
Throughout her tenure, Emily has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of the St. Croix environment. The club’s clinics serve as a spark for young athletes; Emily recalls seeing shy, reserved players walk onto the field only to find their "fire" and passion as the sessions progress. This development isn't just technical — it's social. Many young players arrive at camp knowing no one and leave with deep friendships, a testament to the club’s profound community impact.
However, the St. Croix experience is as much about the mentors as it is the players. Emily highlights the incredible flexibility and support the club provides its staff. In a profession that can often feel rigid, St. Croix fosters a culture where coaches feel truly wanted and supported by their peers. Whether it’s the guidance from senior staff or the freedom to implement their own coaching style, Emily found a professional home that respects the busy lives of its contributors while maintaining elite standards.
"Being able to coach alongside people who coached me when I was 10 years old is unforgettable. It’s crazy to see things come full circle, but that is the nature of St. Croix—it really does feel like a community." – Emily Olson
Beyond the culture, the physical environment at St. Croix sets a standard of its own. Emily notes that playing on the Lucy Winton Bell athletic fields "spoils" both players and coaches alike. The immaculately cared-for grass and pristine facilities create a professional atmosphere that is hard to match elsewhere. By combining world-class facilities with a "full-circle" community of former players and mentors, St. Croix has created a legacy where the next generation of soccer talent is always in good hands.
