Hunter High graduate Olivia Harding received national recognition after having one of the best statistical seasons in Snow College’s brief nine-year women's soccer history. Harding became a Badger legend leaving a mark in the school’s record books.

“I loved my time at Snow College,” Harding said. “I played a year before my mission. Coming back was interesting. I had a new coach and new teammates. I grew to love it more and more.”

Following her team's successful season Harding was named the Scenic West Athletic Conference Player of the Year. She was also named second team NJCAA All-American. She led the Badgers with 18 goals and eight assists and helped the team land in the conference championship game for the ninth time.

“It felt so crazy to see my name on the list for those awards. Knowing what hard work I had done. It felt good to have my efforts acknowledged and recognized,” she said.

Harding began her soccer career at 5 years old on the fields at Hunter Park and eventually starred at Hunter High School. Her senior year she scored five goals for the Wolverines as they finished 7-7. She chose to continue her soccer career at Snow College. 

“I had a fantastic coach and teammates at Snow. That was such a factor in my having such a good season. I knew I was depended on and trusted by my teammates and coach,” Harding said.

Snow head coach Brock Ogami took over the program when Harding was away from the team on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He admits he did not know much about Harding before she returned home. 

“I talked with her dad. I wanted to wait to see what she had, but right away when she stepped on the field I could see that she would help our team,” Ogami said. “She is an unbelievable leader and incredible athlete. She has great instincts and has a knack for the goal. She is a ruthless finisher and she never stops.”

In practice or games Harding gave it her all every minute.

“She quickly earned the respect of her teammates. She is hands down the best player in the conference,” Ogami said. “Her success helps us to show that we can bring players here and help them move on to the four-year schools. Incoming players need to be ready because we have a great future at Snow. I am excited at what we have to offer.”

The people at school made the difference for Harding.

“I had the best friends and teammates that I could have asked for. We came up with the most ridiculous ways to keep ourselves entertained and I loved it. I spent quality time with people I cared about so much it made it such a valuable experience,” Harding said.

Her 18 goal season is second all-time at the school. Skye Kennedy tallied 26 in the 2022 season. Harding finished her career fifth in career goals with 21 and second in career points with 54.

“Having the ability to keep playing the sport I love is such a blessing. It has been very rewarding,” she said.

She will continue her career at the University of Louisiana. She is finishing her undergraduate work and plans to study exercise science to become a physical therapist.

“In my sports career I saw athletes from West Valley transfer to other schools to try to achieve their dreams, but at the end of the day if you want something bad enough you can get it. It is important for kids to know that if they do everything they can it will work out. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world,” Harding said. “My family and friends have been my biggest fans. I can’t explain how much that means to me.” λ