The Softball America Spotlight: 2027 Olivia Larsen

As Softball America grows its coverage at all levels, we continue our recruiting spotlight series with Olivia Larsen. The third baseman, pitcher, and utility player from Kansas shines in all areas of the field, both offensively and defensively. Her unique strengths are her leadership skills, ability to support her teammates, and work ethic. 

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Name: Olivia Larsen
Primary Position(s): 3B/P/UTL
Class Year: 2027
Hometown: Olathe, Kansas

Travel Ball Organization: Building Champions Peppers – Wallace 16U

What is your favorite travel ball memory?

I just really enjoy being with my teammates and coaches. I love to work hard, I try to always be a good leader, and winning is the best. I could talk about a home run or an amazing out we made as a team, but the relationships I have built through being a part of a team make the best memories. The friendships and camaraderie are my favorite memories.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from a coach?

So this was a hard lesson, and I am still learning this lesson, but my coaches have done a great job of teaching me not to sweat the small things. Softball is a game of failure. For example, if I get 10 at-bats and only get four hits, that upsets me. .400 is a really good batting average, but in my mind, I want to go 10-for-10. Trying to be perfect will eat you up in softball and sports in general. And when we are playing really high-level competition, things are not always going to go your team’s way, but it’s all about not dwelling on the past and resetting! Another big lesson I have learned is how to be a good leader and teammate. This goes hand in hand with the first part, if things aren’t going your way, don’t allow it to affect your attitude, keep being a great teammate, and celebrate all your teammate’s successes. It’s all about attitude, effort, and preparation. 

How did you get interested in softball? 

I didn’t start playing softball until I was 10. My parents were athletes and never really pushed me into sports. I started playing soccer first and excelled. As I continued to grow, my dad introduced me to basketball and that went well. When I was 10, my parents asked if I wanted to play softball, and I told them yes. They got me on a local rec league in the Kansas City area, and I loved it. It became my favorite sport to play, and I guess the rest is history! I loved and still do love batting practice with my sister and dad, as well as infield and pitching practice with my dad. I also love taking flyballs. Everything about softball is amazing!

What are your strengths as a player? What are you trying to improve on the most? 

I think my strengths physically are I have a strong arm, I have a lot of power in all areas of the field, and I hit for a high average, but leadership, being a good teammate and my work ethic are what I think are my best most unique strengths. I am always trying to improve all aspects of my game, but currently, I am working on staying loose when fielding and throwing quickly at third base and shortstop. I’m really working on developing a quicker first step to improve my burst. As far as pitching goes, I am working on accuracy and developing a better command of my rise and drop.

What player(s) do you look up to the most? 

My favorite player is Montana Fouts. She is a great player and super fun to watch. I also like to watch Jordy Bahl and NiJaree Canady. Riley Baber is another player I enjoy watching. She was a senior last year and kind of took me under her wing when the Peppers joined Building Champions. She is now at Missouri State, and I love watching her do big things.

What are your favorite hobbies outside of softball? 

I really enjoy hanging out with my friends and traveling with my family. I know this will sound cliche, but I really do love working out, lifting weights, and just playing sports in general and competition.

What excites you the most about playing college softball?

I want to play at the highest levels with the best players. What level that will be is yet to be determined. I want to compete with and against the best and see where I stack up. I want to win and do whatever I can to help a team succeed.

For transfer portal news, stay up to date with the Softball America transfer wire and the Dugout, our discussion board for members.

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