Garnet Valley’s Olsen happy to be back after injury ordeal

RIDLEY TWP. — Garnet Valley’s Emily Olsen felt some butterflies in her stomach prior to Thursday’s Central League game at Ridley. Or maybe it was a sense of déjà vu.

It was against the Green Raiders, albeit on Garnet’s home floor, on Dec. 13, 2022 that the trajectory of Olsen’s high school career was sent off course, suffering a devastating injury five games into the season.

“I tore my knee – the MPFL (medial patellofemoral ligament) and I had to get my bone shaved. It’s about the same recovery time (as a torn ACL),” she said.

The good news is that Olsen is back and feeling healthy. She was able to get back on the floor with her AAU program, the Delco Goats, in the fall. The versatile power forward can control the boards, defend a team’s top shooter, cut to the basket and pop a 3-pointer when needed.

“It feels great to be back, I am so happy,” she said. “I think my defense has improved a lot since coming back, certainly more than last year. The offense is coming, but we’ve got a really good offensive team. Anything that I can do, I’ll do.”

In the Jaguars’ 55-27 victory Thursday, Olsen had a solid all-around game with six points, eight rebounds, three steals and one blocked shot.

“I can be the muscle, if we need it. I’ve been working on my outside shot, so if we need that … it all depends where the matchups are,” Olsen said.

With the return of Olsen, the Jaguars (2-0, 1-0 Central) have a deep and balanced starting lineup that includes All-Delco Haylie Adamski, point guard Kylie Mulholland, and forwards Savannah Saunders and Katie Dwyer.

“I knew she was a little nervous about tonight playing Ridley,” said the junior Adamski, who scored a game-high 21 points. “I am so happy that she is back with us, she makes a big difference. You know she is excited to be playing again. … I know we can be a good team and (Olsen) is going to be a big part of it.”

After months of painstaking rehabilitation, Olsen was confident in her abilities by the time high school practice officially got under way in November.

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Garnet Valley's Emily Olsen shoots from the perimeter in the Jaguars' win over Ridley Thursday night. (PETE BANNAN-DAILY TIMES)"