Anytime Niles softball coach Ryan Frontczak needs a big play, he can always count on senior Olivia Jordan to deliver.

That play may not always show up in the box score, but Jordan can beat you with her bat, her glove or her mind.

“The first thing that comes to mind is her leadership on and off the field,” Frontczak said about his centerfielder. “She was hurt this offseason and still came to every single workout to support the team. It did not matter if it was our weekend hitting sessions or our weekday weightlifting sessions. She was always there.”

The hard work has paid off for Jordan.

“This season her numbers are through the roof,” Frontczak said. “She was all-state last year and every stat has gone up from last season. I feel like she is a coach when it comes to the outfield during the game. If something is not right I tell her and she fixes it. She takes pride in playing in the outfield.”

Jordan, who bats second in the Vikings’ line up, is hitting over .500 this season.

Frontczak is still amazed by her play.

“I have never seen a girl get balls the way she does,” he said. “She just plays aggressive in all aspects of the game. You never know what to expect out of her when it comes to the base paths either. The kid can fly on the bases. I am so proud of the player she has become.”

Jordan said she has really enjoyed her senior year. She is hoping that the Vikings can achieve their goal of winning the district championship they are hosting on Saturday.

“This year has been phenomenal,” she said. “Being able to play with this team has been awesome.”

Jordan admits that coming into the 2014 season there was some concern considering the number of younger players on the roster and no returning pitcher.

It didn’t take long to see that those issues would not be a problem.

“We were a little nervous, but Tala (Gentry) has done a great job pitching,” she said. “Our freshmen knew they had some big shoes to fill and they have done it.”

Jordan and Gentry are best friends. They will both be attending Lake Michigan College next year on softball scholarships.

“Getting to play and start pretty much every game since our freshman year has been awesome. Now we get to be roomates next year and play together.”