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2017 U.S.A Women's U16 Olympic Team received gold medals in Argentina.

Junior Jordyn Oliver, one of 150 athletes that competed for just 12 spots for the women’s 2017 U.S.A. Olympic National team, won a gold medal last summer. She was one of 35 athletes chosen by the Olympic committee to attend the Olympic trials free of cost at their training center. During the five-day tryout period, Oliver made the final trial, which included a total of 18 people.

The 18 athletes were asked to stay and attend a three-day training camp, where they competed again to make the final cut. Only 12 players were admitted to the roster and Oliver was one of them. The team practiced at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado before heading to Buenos Aires, Argentina to play June 7-11. The team won all five games against Columbia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Argentina, and Canada.

“It was an amazing feeling,” Oliver said. “Being able to be an ambassador and represent my country was such an honor. To wear those letters across my chest is something you would dream of. Who could have ever imagined a little kid from Prosper could be a Gold Medalist?”

During halftime at the varsity Lady Eagles game a few Fridays ago against Newman Smith, Oliver was recognized for winning gold as a part of the U.S. Olympic team. She received a plaque for her recognition, which included a team picture, the roster, and the results from the competition in Argentina.

“It was a great honor to be recognized in front of my family, teammates, and community that have always supported me,” Oliver said. “This was for them as much as it was for me.”

Two years ago, Oliver made it to the top 40 when she attended the U17 trials as a 15 year old. However, only the top 12 were added to the team roster. That circumstance made this opportunity all the more special when Oliver became a finalist.

Despite the accomplishment, Jordyn’s mother, Carmell, admitted she was nervous before the 2017 trials took place.

“Just five weeks before the trials, she hurt her knee in a tournament in Virginia,” Carmell said. “The doctor advised her not to play, gave her a brace for an ACL sprain, and said she would be out for at least eight weeks.”

However, Jordyn had other plans.

“Jordyn told the doctor he had five weeks to get her ready,” Carmell said. “Long story short, she went to therapy three times a week and strength and conditioning two times per week until it was time to leave for trials.”

When the time came to leave for the trials, Jordyn’s knee was at 80%.

“She knew the risks she was taking of a possible full tear, but she refused to wear the brace,” Carmell said. “When your child is that driven, we had no choice but to support her decision and be proud of the strong, determined young lady we raised her to be.”

Oliver’s parents, Carmell and Dwayne, have played a huge role in the Olympic Trials process and the athlete she has become.

“My parents are very supportive and have always encouraged me to do my best,” Oliver said. “No matter the outcome, they were here to support me. My mom travels with me everywhere I go, she keeps my workout schedule, she prepares my meals, and she drives me to my training sessions.”

Oliver will wait to be invited back to the trials again this spring in hopes of making the U17 team and representing her country again. For now, she plans to finish out her junior season on her high school team. The next step will be to attend Baylor University in Waco on an athletic scholarship.

“It’s been surreal to see her achieve all she has so far,” Carmell said. “Knowing all of the sacrifices she has made personally, and us as a family, are finally paying off.”