Blacksburg High student balances baking and school

Katie Olszewski is a track student-athlete at BHS and runs her own bakery at home. Photo by Mike Shaw | The Burgs.

BLACKSBURG – Balancing high school and athletics is a challenge that many student-athletes  struggle with year after year.

But, what about students who balance the two and add in another ingredient?

Blacksburg High School junior Katie Olszewski has added the extra ingredient – baking. Olszewski, who runs track at BHS, began baking when she was 3-years-old.

“Grandma was my spark into the culinary world,” Olszewski said. “And, Grandpa being in the hotel and restaurant field helped me get opportunities to practice and thrive on food.”

When she was 8-years-old, Olszewski entered a baking contest with her grandma.

“We baked a chocolate chess pie and sat in a hallway with lots of people, and everyone walked by and took a slice,” Olszewski said. “The judges took an entire pie and sat in the back for an hour until they came out and announced that I had won my age group.”

It was through moments like these that Olszewski learned her passion for baking. Now, while in school, she sells what she bakes to her classmates.

Olszewski started her baking business when she was in middle school, but recently changed the name to BabyCakes Bakery. Many of her orders are placed by classmates. Sometimes, her friends will place their order via text message.

BabyCakes Bakery also has a Facebook page, where many of Olszewski’s products are on display. She said she sells cupcakes for $4 a dozen, cakes for $8, pies for $10 and bagels for $8 a dozen –  her specialty.

But, how does she balance academics, athletics and her passion for baking?

“It’s hard, but I just do what I have time for, and since I’m so busy, my baking passion is mostly shoved behind everything else,” Olszewski said.

“Although, I try to always have something baked at home.”

It’s easy to see that Olszewski is busy and passionate. She said that running track has taught her about staying focused, determined and pushing ahead.

She began running outdoor track in sixth grade and added softball when she reached high school. Last year, she decided to pass up playing softball to run indoor track for the first time.

Last year, she competed in the New Balance Indoor Track National Championships in New York.

“Nationals was one of the best experiences of my life,” Olszewski said. “I think I came back from Nationals a different person.”

“Spending time with all the distance kids taught me what it is like to be completely dedicated to a sport.”

As for her future baking and college, Olszewski says college won’t stand in the way.

She hopes to attend Virginia Tech, but she doesn’t see herself competing in collegiate athletics. Her goals are to study business and culinary arts and hopes to one day own her own restaurant.

“I would love to see people enjoy the food I make for them,” she said.

For more information about Olszewski’s BabyCakes Bakery, visit her Facebook page here.

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