Jackson Olson: From America East Champion to Dancing with the Stars Contender
Jackson Olson, a former Stetson baseball player and current Savannah Bananas second baseman, is making headlines beyond the diamond. The social media personality has been announced as a contestant on Season 35 of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, trading his baseball cleats for dancing shoes. Olson will be partnered with professional dancer Emma Slater for the upcoming season, which premieres with a two-night event in September. The casting news has generated significant buzz, highlighting Olson’s growing profile as a versatile entertainer.
Olson’s athletic career is marked by a historic achievement: he was a key contributor to the 2018 Stetson baseball team that captured the America East Championship for the first time in program history. That milestone cemented his legacy at Stetson and showcased his competitive drive. Now, as a standout with the Savannah Bananas—a team known for its entertaining style of play—Olson has built a following through his engaging personality and social media presence, making him a natural fit for the glitz and glamour of the ballroom.
The announcement has also drawn support from those close to him. Maggie Sajak, daughter of Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak, publicly showed her support for boyfriend Olson after his casting news broke. In an Instagram Story on Tuesday, May 12, Sajak, 31, shared the cast announcement, writing a heartfelt message. Her backing adds a personal touch to Olson’s journey as he prepares to compete in front of a national audience.
As Olson transitions from the baseball field to the dance floor, fans and followers eagerly anticipate his performance. With his athletic background and charismatic presence, he is poised to be a memorable contestant on Dancing with the Stars. The upcoming season promises to be an exciting chapter in Olson’s evolving career, blending sports and entertainment in a way that continues to captivate audiences.
Shimanta Das 
