Perry senior Lydia Olejniczak knew from an early age that she wanted to be a college softball player.  The All State shortstop made it a reality Tuesday morning, inside a packed Brady Library, by signing her National Letter of Intent to play softball for Head Coach Rich Calvert and the Drake Bulldogs next fall.

“It was pretty surreal seeing all my friends, teammates and family,” said a smiling Olejniczak after the event. “I know I have a great support system but seeing everyone here just felt pretty good and it was awesome to see.”

Olejniczak is coming off one of the best offensive seasons in the state of the Iowa, slashing an impressive .506 average, including 22 extra base hits to go along with a team high 20 stolen bases.  The blending of speed and power made her an immediate target for college coaches early in high school.

“Drake had wanted me from the beginning so that kind of stood out to me and then I made up the pros and cons list.  Many things played into it, but the coaching staff is just awesome.  I love Coach Calvert and Coach (Andy) De Jesus who I have worked with for years on defense.  They have a great winning culture, great academic school, as well as obviously, being only forty minutes away from home which is awesome.”

The softball diamond is not the only venue where Olejniczak has experienced success.  She has been a first team all conference basketball selection along with the accolades of being a 3x state track and field qualifier.  She says the versatility of competing in other sports has helped her bring a more rounded approach to the softball diamond.

“I think playing as many sports as possible just really helps with athleticism.  College coaches love that.  Some might not think that is true, but it really is.  My coaches at Drake love to talk about basketball and track and they do believe that it helps your overall softball game, more athletic, increases mobility and quickness and also makes you love your main sport more.”

College athletics are the norm for the Olejniczak family.  All three of Tiffany and Jason Olejniczak’s children have experienced success at Perry and went on to play at the next level.  Kaleb is a current wrestler at the University of Northern Iowa, while sister Emma enjoyed a solid college career at UNI, Iowa and Murray State.  “My family loves the competitiveness of it and the mental aspect of the game,” added Olejniczak.  “There’s a lot of failure within it, but it certainly makes you mentally tough.  We talk a lot about being tough in our family.  Watching my sister (Emma) play division one softball kind of led me on the path.  I saw her doing it and thought, I want to do that too.”

The senior still has unfinished business wearing the Perry shade of blue this summer.  The last time a Perry team qualified for the state tournament was in 2016.  Sister Emma was the all state pitcher that year.  Lydia is hoping that it will be her turn to help Perry get back to the state tournament in Ft Dodge.

“I think we took a great step forward this past season.  We are going to build off last year’s strong season and work on stringing hits and doing the little things better to take us to the next level.  I really believe we can do big and great things this coming season.”