Monroe girls basketball player Tiffany Ohlsen was named the Snohomish County Women’s Basketball Officials Association Player of the Year.
“I feel extremely honored,” said Ohlsen in a press release. “My sister earned this award two years ago; it feels great to follow in her footsteps and get that positive recognition.”
The SCWBOA award is given to the player that is respectful, cooperative with officials, has a great attitude towards players, and stresses the importance of sportsmanship throughout the season.
Here is the press release:
Ohlsen follows in sister’s “Player of the Year” footsteps
Monroe, WA — Monroe High School senior Tiffany Ohlsen has been named Player of the Year by the Snohomish County Women’s Basketball Officials Association. The award is given to the player that is respectful, cooperative with officials, has a great attitude towards players, and stresses the importance of sportsmanship throughout the season.
“I feel extremely honored,” says Ohlsen. “My sister earned this award two years ago; it feels great to follow in her footsteps and get that positive recognition.” Ohlsen’s sister Suzanna now plays for Seattle Pacific University. “We both had different goals for our basketball careers,” Ohlsen continues. “She wanted to play in college, and I have played for the love of the game.” Older brother Tim Ohlsen, who will graduate this year from the University of Pittsburgh, also played basketball for Monroe.
Playing for pure enjoyment of the game may be the reason Ohlsen was selected. “I try to keep a positive attitude, no matter what.”
The Monroe players have needed to stay positive. They have had four coaches in the past four years — with different game philosophies for each one. This year’s coach, Matt Chalfant was named Coach of the Year. “This year was definitely a learning experience for all of us,” says Ohlsen. “We were at a slight disadvantage because it was like we were starting from scratch. But I don’t think there was anyone who didn’t enjoy the year. He brought a real positive aspect to the athletic program and made the year fun.”
“Tiffany is well-deserving of this award,” says Chalfant. “She came to practice every day with a workmanlike attitude and to every game with a smile. No matter what results we got, she always gave her best effort.”
Ohlsen has played with the same other first string players of the team since the 5th grade. “It’s nice because we all know each other’s tendencies, where everybody will be on the court — almost like we can read each other’s minds,” she says. “We play a lot looser when we are all on the court.”
She has played select basketball until this year. She also ran cross country and was captain of the cross country team for two years. “I love sports,” she says. “It’s made me a stronger person.”
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