Meet Olivia Laron, a senior at Bonney Lake High School with a passion for tennis, travel, and taking on new challenges. After spending time abroad and competing on an international stage, Laron is back in Bonney Lake for her final year, ready to make an impact as the Panthers step into the highly competitive SPSL 4A league.
A Journey Across Continents
Laron’s story is one of movement, adaptation, and resilience. She spent her seventh and eighth-grade years in Bonney Lake before her father’s government job relocated their family to Japan. She immersed herself in the culture and played for her school’s tennis team, traveling across the country to compete against international schools and teams from U.S. military bases.
Now back in Washington for her senior year, Laron is reconnecting with old friends and adjusting to life in the Pacific Northwest once again. “It’s been cool reconnecting with people I knew in middle school,” she said. “It’s definitely been an adjustment, but it’s nice to be back.”
The Road to Tennis
Though Laron dabbled in a tennis club during elementary school, it wasn’t until her freshman year that she decided to fully commit to the sport. “I always enjoyed playing as a kid, and that’s when I realized it was the sport I wanted to commit to,” she said.
That commitment has paid off in a big way. Laron has earned a varsity letter each season, was part of the team that won the All Japan Tennis Tournament Championship in her sophomore year, and played a key role in her squad’s victory as the 2023 DODEA Pacific Tennis Girls D-1 Champions. She has also taken home multiple club tournament titles and was named Most Improved Player along the way.
Facing the Challenge of 4A
This season, Bonney Lake enters the SPSL 4A league, where they’ll face larger schools and tougher competition. But for Laron, that’s part of the excitement. “Moving up to 4A is definitely going to be a challenge since we’ll be competing against bigger schools with potentially strong teams,” she said. “But I think it’s a great opportunity for us to push ourselves and grow as players. It’ll be tough, but I love challenges and am competitive, so I’m excited to see how it will be.”
Her goal for the season? Keep improving, play at her highest level, and make a run at the State tournament.
Beyond the Court
Laron’s talents and interests extend far beyond tennis. A former club volleyball and softball player, she had to make the tough choice between softball and tennis when she moved back to Bonney Lake, as both sports are played in the spring. Tennis ultimately won out, but she carries fond memories of playing multiple sports.
Off the court, Laron has big plans. She will be attending Sophia University in Japan, enrolling in their English-Taught Program while majoring in Education. After earning her degree, she plans to attend flight school to pursue a career as an airline pilot.
In her free time, Laron loves to travel. “I’ve been moving back and forth between Japan and the U.S., and it’s given me the chance to experience different cultures,” she said. “It’s something I really enjoy, and I’m always excited to explore new places.”
The Future is Bright
With a decorated past in international tennis, a competitive mindset, and a clear vision for her future, Olivia Laron is ready to take on whatever comes next. Whether it’s leading Bonney Lake through its first 4A season, pursuing a career in aviation, or exploring new destinations around the world, one thing is certain—Laron is always ready for the next challenge.