A Community Mourns
Kailee Olson, a 35‑year‑old assistant basketball coach at Duluth East, died after a 15‑month battle with colon cancer.
Friends, family, and former players gathered to remember her relentless passion, loyalty, and the way she inspired everyone around her on and off the court.
She is survived by her husband, Troy, and their two daughters, Lowry and Murray, who she often called the heart of her life.
Advocacy and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Olson’s fight against cancer turned into a public campaign to encourage screenings, using her own story to urge others to act before it’s too late.
In May 2024, she launched an Assisted Living Locators franchise in Duluth, turning a personal ambition into a service for the community.
Family Legacy
Her family roots run deep in Minnesota basketball; she was the granddaughter of legendary coach Bob McDonald and the daughter of Mike McDonald, who leads the Cambridge‑Isanti boys’ team.
She also shared a close bond with Brea Boomer, the Greyhounds’ head coach, a friendship that grew from mentorship into a lasting partnership.
Hundreds attended her visitation and funeral, a testament to the impact she had on players, friends, and neighbors across the region.
Colleagues recall her infectious laugh, her dedication to each player’s growth, and the way she balanced coaching with caring for her family.
Though her time was cut short, Olson’s influence continues to ripple through the courts, classrooms, and homes of those she touched.