Within the span of just ten days this January, the record books for Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton’s basketball programs have been completely rewritten. The basketball program witnessed a rare “double-eclipse” as both the boys’ and girls’ all-time scoring marks fell. On January 3, Daulton Bauer used his trademark blazing speed to secure the top spot for the Bulldog Boys and exactly one week later, on January 10, Katie Olson drained a transition three-pointer that cemented her legacy as the most prolific scorer in Lady Dawg history.
In many ways, Bauer and Olson represent the pinnacle of JWP athletics: a combination of raw talent, relentless work ethic, and an uncompromising drive to compete. While the boys’ side has had its moment in the sun, the spotlight now belongs squarely on Olson as she reflects on a career that has redefined JWP girls’ basketball.
Olson’s journey to the top of the mountain didn’t happen overnight. It began in the third grade within the JWP youth system, but it was clear early on that she was ahead of the curve. By the time she was an eighth-grader, Olson was already making the leap to the varsity roster. “I was timid as a youngster,” Olson admits, reflecting on those early years. “But my confidence really started to grow during my sophomore year. That’s when I realized my game had taken the next step.”
That confidence manifested in a playstyle inspired by the basketball greats. While many of her peers look to modern stars, Olson’s idol has always been Michael Jordan. Like “His Airness,” Olson relies on an aggressive driving ability that keeps defenders on their heels and has made her a nightmare to guard in the Gopher Conference. Although her impact isn’t just limited to the offensive end. While she is a prolific scorer, she has also led the team in steals for three consecutive seasons. That defensive tenacity is a family trait, fueled by her father, Lincoln. “My dad always pushed me to be a ‘pest’ on the court,” Olson laughed. “His philosophy is simple: ‘You want the ball in your hands? Go get it.'”
To maintain that high-level intensity on both ends of the floor, Olson has dedicated her summers to the sport, playing AAU for the Minnesota Rise for the past five years. That year-round commitment is a major reason why JWP head coach Luke Goebel holds her in such high regard, noting her evolution into a confident, vocal leader during her three years as a team captain. “Coach Goebel started coaching us and the whole culture changed,” Olson said of her mentor. “We started winning and playing more as a team. He’s had a huge impact on me as both a player and a person.”
Heading into her senior campaign, Olson knew the scoring record was within reach, though she didn’t let the math distract her from the mission. “I knew it was a possibility to reach the record, but I wasn’t sure when exactly it would happen,” she said. “I just kept playing my game.” When the decisive shot finally fell on January 10, the weight of the achievement set in. By breaking the record, Olson passed JWP legend Heather (Schoenrock) Gillen, a former All-American and a titan of the program. “Passing a big player like Heather was a crazy moment for me,” Olson exclaimed. “She’s such an icon and I feel very proud to be in that same company.”
While the scoring record is a historic individual milestone, Olson isn’t finished yet. With the postseason looming, her goals are set to earning some serious team hardware. “The biggest goal is a conference championship and a deep playoff run,” she said. As for personal goals? She’s currently eyeing the 2,000-point club before she hangs up her Bulldogs jersey for the last time.
As she stands at the mountaintop of JWP basketball, Olson is quick to share the credit with those who have helped her climb, “I want to thank all my coaches from youth ball to now. My family has pushed and supported me every step of the way. And a big thanks to my teammates—I wouldn’t be able to accomplish anything without them putting in the same work and playing their hearts out alongside me.”
For the JWP faithful, January 13 wasn’t just about a number on a scoreboard; it was the coronation of the new “Top Lady Dawg.”
