The Shelby Olsen Scholarship, sponsored by the Southeast Soccer Club, has been created to celebrate the life of this very special, intelligent and talented young woman and member of the girls 2000 team. The recipient will receive $1,000 and the honor of wearing Shelby’s #18 jersey.
About Shelby Olsen:
On June 20th, 2019, the Southeast Soccer Club lost a vibrant force of nature and member of the 2000 girls team, Shelby ”Bella” Olsen, in a car accident. The Shelby Olsen Scholarship, sponsored by the Southeast Soccer Club, has been created to celebrate the life of this very special, intelligent and talented young woman. As a 14 year old, she volunteered at Camp DASH and was hired back for the next five years, ultimately directing the largest age group. A 2018 graduate of Ledyard High School, she was an athlete, a singer, and a studious young woman who graduated with highest honors. She served as President of the Ledyard Regional Chapter of the Future Farmers of America and was proud to be accepted into a special group of like-minded change-makers when she was named as a Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholar. She went on to study psychology and play soccer at Emmanuel College in Boston where she earned a place on the Dean’s List both semesters. It is as if Maya Angelou were speaking about Shelby when she said “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
What teammates say about Shelby:
"Shelby was there with you. And with her energy, everybody had energy."
"Shelby’s positivity really encouraged our team to try our best, be vulnerable, care for each other, and most importantly love playing soccer. She worked hard for everyone else on the team, and it made me want to work hard for her."
"She was meaningful with her words and thoughtful with her actions. And we can’t forget - absolutely hilarious."
"Shelby was so selfless and genuine. Her memory pushes me to be a better version of myself."
2025 Application Process - *NOW CLOSED*
Download & complete: Shelby Olsen Scholarship Application Form
Recipient must be a rising female senior who intends to play collegiate soccer and is a registered SSC player for senior year.
Scholarship amount: $1,000
Application Deadline: June 1st 2025
Selection announced: June 30th 2025
Payment: June 30th 2026 (Proof of College acceptance and deposit to attend required.)
Application requirements:
Application | Resume | Essay | Intent to play collegiate soccer