Few individuals – whether in sports, or in any walk of life – have as positive an impact on every single person they come into contact with, as Ben Olsen does. Because of Ben, every teammate has improved as a player, as a professional athlete, as a person, and as an ambassador of a game that is still in many ways earning its place in the national sports landscape.Ben’s excellence appears on so many levels; he is funny enough to make anyone laugh, but also serious enough to make sure teammates are always putting forth the appropriate effort and commitment. Ben is tough enough to stand toe to toe with the greatest soccer players in the world, and gentle enough to speak softly to school children, while doing volunteer work in the District. Ben is important enough to make suggestions to the League commissioner, but gracious and humble enough to be totally genuine with every single person he meets.Imagine for a moment what would happen if everybody in America showed up for work the same way that Ben Olsen did for his job every day since 1998. Arrive early with enthusiasm and a great attitude. Offer positive encouragement when co-workers make mistakes. Show absolute dedication and exceptional ability without ever complaining about management or superiors. When difficult problems arise, instill confidence through leading by example. Be kind and generous to every single employee, from the president to the janitor. Of the millions of people who work in Washington, D.C. how many have ever had a co-worker like that?It is a sad day for D.C. United, as Ben Olsen hangs up the #14. Despite his great contributions and accomplishments, at only 32-years old, it seems as though we are all unfairly denied a few more seasons of seeing his dedication and passion on the field. Olsen was an excellent player, but it was not simply his ability on the field that separated him from his peers. Talent is distributed unfairly in the world, but everyone is given the exact same ability to control their own work ethic; and work ethic is what separates mediocrity from greatness. Ben Olsen’s playing days are over, and the people of the Metro area are all indebted to one of the greatest athletes in the history of the Nations Capital.
