Coach Zac Olson joined Southwestern Oregon Community College (SWOCC) in August 2026, bringing more than 15 years of collegiate coaching experience and over 20 years of experience in higher education.
Olson spent three stints as an assistant coach with the Southern Oregon University (SOU) men’s basketball program between 2003 and 2022. During his time with the Raiders, he helped lead the program to a 176-96 record and three national tournament appearances, including two Sweet Sixteen appearances and one Final Eight appearance.
In 2021-22, Olson served as SOU’s interim head coach, guiding the Raiders to an 18-15 record and a berth in the conference tournament championship game.
Olson began his collegiate coaching career at Cascade College, where he served on the coaching staff from 2003-06 before becoming head coach for the 2006-07 season.
In addition to his coaching career, Olson brings extensive experience in higher education administration. Most recently, he served as Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Services at Southern Oregon University.
A standout player himself, Olson was the Valley League MVP at North Salem High School before continuing his playing career at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon, where he was named Southern Region MVP. He finished his playing career at Southern Oregon University, where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Olson’s combination of collegiate coaching success, higher education leadership, and playing experience provides a strong foundation as he begins his tenure at SWOCC.
Coach Olson and his wife Kari have a daughter, Stella and a son, Indy.
