Streaks Alumni Profile: Kirsten Olson 1989

Today’s “Streaks Alumni Profile” is with Kirsten Olson from GHS Class of 1989. 

People usually think of a coach inspiring athletes, but they don’t realize that often it works the other way. Athletes, through their dedication and commitment can inspire the coach. Kirsten Olson is an athlete who inspired this coach. Kirsten and her teammates were part of a special group of committed runners for GHS. 

It is not surprising that Kirsten has had a very successful career as a teacher and coach, she was an absolutely great leader as a high school student-athlete. 

As you read the memories and thoughts she shares, her passion is so obvious. 

What are some of your favorite classes/teachers at GHS?

I believe I was part of a "golden age" of teachers at GHS.  I have fond memories of American Studies with Mr. Devore and Mrs. Stewart.  The connections, discussions, and projects still bring smiles to my face.  I can still remember watching Mr. Spencer use the giant slide rule.  

I loved that we got to pick a French name for ourselves with Mr. Nussbaum.  During my junior year when we got to French 3 I laughed as he had to refer to me and another friend as Cecile Un and Cecile Deux because we were now in the same class.  

I remember having three different teachers for Driver's Ed since we also had the simulators.  Mr. Hickey taught me in the classroom, Mr. Bolinder in the simulators, and Mr. Albright was my behind the wheel instructor.  

I remember watching Mr. Moore expertly weave what a student perceived to be getting him off task into a connection to the World History lesson at hand.  

I loved having Mrs. Eisemann and Mr. Kessler who both brought math to life with such different styles of teaching. And the list could continue as one memory sparks another.  

What are some of your favorite memories from GHS?

Special GHS memories include post-game dances in the front hall and creating the homecoming floats and spirit walls.  I loved decorating my locker and can still recall the different ways we folded notes to give to our friends between classes.  

But amongst my strongest GHS memories were those made as a part of the cross country and track teams under the guidance of Coach Massey and Coach Fisher.  Prior to freshman year, I can remember Jen Watters (Robinson) asking me if I wanted to join the cross country team.  I wasn't sure I wanted that path as both of our older siblings had done that and I was thinking I wanted to pursue something different.  However, I've never been more happy to have listened to someone else.  The four years of high school cross country and track gave me life-long friendships and memories both running and otherwise.  

Whether it was logging the summer miles and ending runs at Swedoughs before walking back to my house or the runs to Lincoln Park for interval repeats.  I remember french braiding our hair on the way to cross country and track meets and the fact that it ALWAYS seemed to rain when we raced at Sterling.  I remember cutting out the clippings from the Register Mail after each meet.  

I remember earning my first 500 KM summer shirt, the Varsity letters, and being selected as team captain.  I remember extending my out of season running with Tom Foster and the Galesburg Track Club and even getting to compete at Nationals in California.  

Some of the specific race details have faded in the decades since I left GHS, but I still believe that cross country is the best sport.  It has always held for me the perfect combination of allowing athletes to grow as an individual while also working as a team.  There is a self-discipline that you must execute when putting in the miles when the coach cannot see every step you take and that is a life skill I am forever grateful to have.  

What have you done after GHS graduation?

After high school, I studied at the University of Illinois and earned my B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in Spanish after studying abroad for a semester in Spain.  After graduating, I became a high school math and bilingual math teacher and am currently in my 32nd year teaching at Addison Trail High School in the Chicago suburbs.  In the span of my career, I have taught nearly every course we offer and am currently teaching AP Precalculus and working in our Academic Success Center.  I will retire from teaching in May 2027.  Although I will admit the job is not always easy, I can honestly say I feel blessed to work with young people and every day is unique.  

As I mentioned early, becoming a runner is just an essential part of who I am and continues to influence my life.  I have been lucky enough to be a head coach for the girls cross country team for 25 seasons so far and added coaching the distance girls in track four years ago as well.  

My own passion for running has included completing 23 full-marathons since 2006.  But I will attest that my most emotional marathon was earlier this fall as I watched my 30 year old son complete his first full marathon in October.  It is truly special to see your only child reignite his commitment to running and continue what has become a family tradition.  (My dad Barney Olson II was a part of the 1961 IHSA CHAMPION cross country team from Highland Park and competed competitively for Miami University of Ohio.  My brother Barney Olson III competed on the 1984 GHS IHSA State qualifying cross country team and ran the first marathon of our direct family line.)

Outside of teaching, coaching, and running, I love to spend my free time enjoying the arts.  I love going to concerts as well as seeing plays and musicals.  NYC is one of my favorite cities to visit.  I love spending time with my son Jacob, daughter-in-law Selby Rose, and my granddog Wrigley.  From Cubs games, to cabin time, or just game nights, I am blessed.   Next on the horizon for me is that I will compete in my first marathon in more than 5 years as I celebrate the 20th anniversary of my first marathon next June.  

What advice do you have for today’s Silver Streaks?

My advice to current students is to seize the opportunities you have academically, athletically, artistically, and/or socially.   Whether it is going in early for an extra help session or actually paying attention to your nutrition and your sleep. Perhaps it is making sure you surround yourself with people who support you and inspire you to be the best version of yourself and avoiding those who are toxic.  

Take advantage of the abundance of resources that are there to help you as you find your path.  It could be as easy as applying for that scholarship or trying to get an internship in the field you want to pursue.  Most importantly, listen to that special friend who convinces you to try something new as it could truly change your life.