John Olson joined the Valparaiso University baseball staff prior to the 1989 season as an assistant coach. A Minnesota native, he was promoted to the position of associate head coach in the fall of 1999.

The Crusaders' hitting/third base coach, he has helped maximize the offensive potential of many Valpo players throughout his coaching career. Olson's expertise was highlighted by the 2001 team that broke Valpo records for runs (409), hits (587), home runs (81), RBIs (371) and doubles (134), while compiling a .307 batting average.  In 2005, under his guidance, the Crusaders led the Mid-Continent Conference in hitting with a .304 mark.

Olson has been a member of Valpo’s staff that has made eight trips to the Mid-Continent Conference Tournament, including a pair of runner-up finishes.  He was also a member of the Crusader staff when the Brown and Gold upset #1 Notre Dame in 2001.

A 1991 graduate of Valpo, Olson earned his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education and sports management. He played for Crusader head coach Paul Twenge at Anoka-Ramsey Community College in 1986 and 1987.

Olson excels in teaching the technical aspects of the game and is very active in mentoring young players from the northwest Indiana community. He and his wife Kim have two sons, Zach (born in 1995) and Isaac (2000), and two daughters, Olivia (2002) and Rachael (2003).