By Trevor Wenners
Assistant Director of Sports Information
Olivia Wolfe's memory is rock solid, especially when it comes to recalling moments from her time as a LaGrange College softball player.
Wolfe, who was a tremendous pitcher and offensive player, was the complete package for the Panthers during the 2014 and 2015 seasons, inking a spot in many categories inside the Panthers' record book. She remembers the intense moments of competition, like they happened yesterday.
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The 2015 USA South Tournament stirs up positive emotions inside Wolfe's mind. On April 17, 2015, she played the role of heroine quite well and fought through exhaustion, as she earned two complete-game wins and pitched a total of 18 innings during the double-elimination playoff format.
The Fortson, Georgia, native powered LaGrange to a 7-1 win against Huntingdon, and then worked the complete 11 innings in a 3-2 triumph over top-seeded Averett. The 2015 Panthers went on to capture their first USA South Championship.
"Averett had beaten us twice during the regular season, but something was different during the tournament," said Wolfe. "We stepped up and played our hearts out. I remember telling head coach Jennifer Claybrook that I was not sure how much of the game I could pitch because my back was hurting, but I threw the entire 11 innings. My adrenaline was going and all I wanted to do was give it my all, so we could win."
The 2015 unit became only the fourth team in program history to reach the NCAA Division III Tournament. Years later, Wolfe still remembers the excitement of running on the field during the regional in Atlanta. It is a memory that will last a lifetime.
"That year was a great way to end my career," said Wolfe. "We had a great team, not just based on talent, but we meshed and were a family. We wanted everyone to play their best and whatever the team needed we worked together to get there. I knew that the players had my back on the field, which took a lot of pressure off me, especially when pitching."
The 2014 team finished with 28 wins, which are third most in a single season in program history. The 2015 squad holds the school record for most USA South wins (14).
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Under career records, Wolfe ranks in a tie for second in program history in slugging percentage (.583), second in home runs (15), sixth in walks (41) and 10th in on-base percentage (.406). As a pitcher, she is tied for third in shutouts (7), fifth in strikeouts (200), seventh in ERA (2.28), ninth in innings pitched (258-1/3), ninth in wins (26) and ninth in complete games (24).
In individual game records, the versatile student-athlete holds the record for most innings pitched (11) and is tied for first in home runs (2) and walks (4).
In terms of single-season records, she ranks first (8) and tied for second (7) in home runs, tied for second in walks (25) and 10th in slugging percentage (.620).
Under single-season records, as a pitcher, Wolfe sits in a tie for fifth (14) and ninth (12) in wins, tie for sixth (4) and eighth (3) in shutouts, sixth (110) and ninth (90) in strikeouts, seventh in ERA (1.73) and a tie for 10th in innings pitched (141).
The young woman has found success in her post-graduation life, as she currently teaches first grade at Hogansville Elementary School and serves as an assistant coach for the softball team at Troup County High School.
Wolfe earned a bachelor's degree in early-childhood education from LaGrange in 2016 and received a master's in curriculum and instruction in 2017. During her undergraduate studies, she maintained a 3.22 GPA, and then increased the mark to 3.83 in graduate school.
Wolfe still volunteers her time on LaGrange's campus, working with the softball team and running the shot clock at basketball games in Mariotti Gym. The special young woman engaged in a Q&A segment.
Q: What makes the LaGrange softball program unique?
A: What drew me to LaGrange and the softball team was Claybrook and how energetic and enthusiastic that she is every day. There is a big focus on team bonding, which brings everyone closer and more like a family. It has made me a better person and has helped me see the positives in everything. I want everyone to enjoy this great game as much as I have, so I want to bring positivity and show them how awesome the sport can be.
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Q: What would you say to console the senior players on the softball team this past spring?
A: I did not get to speak with any of the girls personally, but the first thing I would say to them is to come back and play your last year and do it while you can. I would tell them that my heart hurts for them because something great was taken away. I would also encourage them to keep their heads up because they played hard and never gave up. They should hold on to the memories of the game and all the love and support from friends and family. I wish them nothing but the best of luck in their future.
Q: How did LaGrange help mold you into the individual that you are today?
A: Being a student-athlete has helped me learn about having a strong work ethic, great discipline, teamwork skills and clear communication with others. I enjoyed spiritual life and intramurals on campus.
Q: What advice would you give future student-athletes?
A: I would tell them that student comes before athlete and focus on your schoolwork. You need to make the time to succeed in your classes or you may not have the chance to be an athlete.
Q: What were your pregame superstitions?
A: Before a game, I always did my bands and stretched well. Then, I had to throw long toss to loosen up my arm. I worked my way to the center-field fence and threw to the foul line, trying to make it in the air or on one hop. During the game, the bats could never be crossed. If we were doing well, I could not leave my spot in the dugout.
Q: What is a hidden talent that you have?
A: I love any type of puzzle and am pretty good at them.
Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lagrange.edu.
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