The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Mule fans are known to those from neighboring towns as being loud, passionate and full of school pride.

Brieanna Olsen, Wahkiakum High School senior, may have just fueled those well-known boasts by signing a letter of intent to play college basketball next year.

Olsen, 18, the older daughter of Bill and Shelley Olsen of Cathlamet, recently committed to playing in "the Swamp” with the ladies of Green River Community College in Auburn. Under the guidance of Head Coach Tim Riles, Olsen will join the NW Athletic Association of Community Colleges (NWAACC).

“I’ll be playing in a league with LCC and Centralia,” Olsen said. “It will be fun to play close to home.

“I applied and got accepted to Central Washington University but when I got the opportunity to play college ball, I realized that I wasn’t ready it give basketball up yet,” Olsen said.

Olsen’s mom, Shelley, recalled, “It all happened so fast. We were in Disneyland when the coach contacted her through Facebook. Within a week, she went up there to visit, tried-out and signed a letter of intent.”

Green River Community College has offered Brieanna an athletic scholarship to play for their organization.

“It’s kind of scary but I knew that I wanted to go away for college. It’s a good opportunity and I just want to see if I can do it on my own. I don’t know, I might end up coming home every weekend,” Olsen said with a laugh. “I do have a friend from Toutle who is going to play (at Green River) too. We’ll room together in an apartment on-campus.”

“My parents are pretty proud,” Brieanna added, “That’s part of why I’m doing this. “

“Our whole family is proud of Brieanna. She has worked hard all of her life; both academically and athletically. Now, her work and determination is paying off, “ Shelley Olsen confirmed. “ We could not be happier that the Green River basketball coach has offered her this opportunity and it’s nice knowing that she’ll have coaches looking out for her while she’s up there."

Olsen still plans to attend Central Washington University.

“I’ll transfer after two years to study business management or maybe teaching,” she said, “I’d like to work with small children.”

With her college plans in place, Brieanna, who serves as the ASB secretary, is an honor roll student, and plays three varsity sports, will be able to enjoy the time she has left before graduation.

As for Mule fans, we can expect to hear about Brieanna’s successes in the future.

“My dad is pumped.” She said, “He’s already looking at the schedule and asking for Gator gear to wear to my games.”