By Olivia Bent-Cole
For most high school freshmen, earning a spot on varsity is a huge accomplishment.
For Lane Tech’s Olivia Winters, the dream was bigger; making the U.S. National Team.
This past spring, Winters was selected to the 20-player roster for the U.S. U-15 Girls’ National Team, which traveled to England for a week-long training camp at St. George’s Park, the home of England’s national team. The squad trained and competed against England’s U-15 team in two international matches and participated in a joint training session with England’s team from April 21st to 28th.
The roster could eventually compete for a place in the 2028 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
“I mean, it was awesome,” Winters said. “It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, just knowing I am going to play with the best competition, and also going to England is insane. I was so proud.”
This opportunity gave Winters the chance to learn from the other top players in the country and play against England’s best players in her age group.
“It was really cool because everyone there pushes each other,” she said. “You are constantly challenged, and that makes you better.”
For Lane head coach Sean Harkness, Winters’ selection was no surprise.
“She has put herself in such a good position,” Harkness said. “She works hard, she competes at a high level, and she has earned every opportunity that has come her way.”
While Winters’ talent on the field is undeniable, Harkness believes her greatest strength is her ability to uplift those around her.
“She is so good at bringing everybody together and playing in a way that is very team-oriented,” he said. “She gives everybody confidence in a way that allows others to trust themselves and challenge every opportunity.”
The experience in England also gave Winters new ways to improve her game and bring it back to Lane.
“I just took what they taught me and put it out on the field,” she said. “I just learned to play faster and be more confident with the ball. Being around players at that level shows you what it’s like. And I wanted to bring that back to my team.”
Behind every successful athlete is a support system, and Winters credits her family, friends and teammates for helping her reach this point.
“They are so proud of me,” Winters said. “Just them being there and congratulating me makes me feel so much better. It’s awesome to see them happy for me too.”
Representing the United States is something Winters does not take lightly. She recognizes that very few players receive opportunities like this and hopes to make the most of every moment.
“I’m so honored,” she said. “Not that many girls get to experience this, and it’s just awesome.”
She says the biggest takeaway has been learning how to adapt in unfamiliar situations.
“Adaptability and being able to learn,” Winters said when asked what has helped her grow the most. “Having a growth mindset and being able to adapt in a new environment, play your way and have confidence. I think that’s a really big thing.”
Even with her achievements, Winters remains focused on what comes next. She understands that earning a spot in a national program is not the finish line, but rather another step toward larger goals.
Among those goals are playing at the collegiate level and potentially pursuing a professional soccer career.
The IHSSCA named Winters All-State this year.