Ankeny Podiatrist Coaches Little League | Foot and Ankle Center of Iowa

From the Medical Field to the Baseball Field: Coaching the Ankeny Cardinals

When I volunteered to be the head coach of my son’s Ankeny Little League team—the Cardinals—it wasn’t for the wins, the glory, or any kind of prestige. I did it because baseball has always been a meaningful part of my life. From playing catch in the backyard as a kid to competing at the collegiate level, the game has helped shape who I am. Coaching is my way of passing that on.

Playing college baseball taught me far more than how to read a pitch or make a diving catch in the outfield. It instilled discipline, resilience, and a deep appreciation for being part of something bigger than myself. These are the same lessons I strive to impart to my players today. The difference now is that I’m in the dugout, guiding a group of energetic 10-year-olds.

Coaching the Cardinals presents a unique kind of challenge—but it’s incredibly rewarding. These kids show up to practice full of energy after a long day at school. Meanwhile, I’m coming straight from a full day of caring for patients, feeling both physically and mentally drained. Yet the heart, determination, and spirited humor these players bring always lift me up. They remind me why I love this game.

Each practice and game is an opportunity—to help them grow, to teach them, and most importantly, to let them have fun. We focus on the fundamentals: how to field a grounder, keep their eye on the ball, know when to run and when to hold. But we also talk about bigger lessons: effort, attitude, and how to bounce back from mistakes. These are the tools that will serve them well not just on the field, but throughout their lives—as future adults, professionals, and perhaps even parents themselves.

I coach because I believe in the power of this game and all it can teach. I coach because every game brings at least one magical moment—when a player makes a play they didn’t think they could. And in that moment, I see the same spark that made me fall in love with baseball all those years ago.

You can find Dr. Olson at the Ankeny Little League fields at least twice a week this spring, coaching the Cardinals and building more than just baseball players—he’s helping shape young lives.