California family leaves for Oklahoma so their daughter and her friend can play softball

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Twenty eight hours of driving across the plains, through snowy mountains, and fending off a stowaway raccoon, all so Emma Olsen and her friend Emmie Miehe could play softball in Oklahoma.

"These kids have been cooped up for a couple of months already with the virus and everything. We thought it was important that they get the mental break," said Jeff Olsen, Emma's father.

Although Oklahoma is resuming sports, Olsen says they have no idea when California will let his daughter play again.

"It's not in the plans, it's not in the first four phases of the governor's reopening of the state. We said look, it may not happen until next year," said Olsen.

That's why they decided to stay with family in Oklahoma, and find a team here.

"It's been three months, maybe even over that since we've seen a softball field," Emma Olsen said.

Emma says she's rusty, but you'd never be able to tell.

"We have a game tomorrow at 7:30, which is really exciting. It's a little nerve wracking because we haven't been on the field or played in a really long time, but it's so much fun," she said.

Emmie Miehe says her parents miss her, but understand why she wanted to go with the Olsens.

"Being cooped up for three months, not being able to do anything, not being able to do what you love most is hard. Coming out here was honestly so fun and it was worth the drive," said Miehe.

Their new coach says playing again will be good for everyone on the team.

"They are used to a lot more activity, not just doing things on the field, but doing things socially. Everybody's getting antsy, everybody's wanting to get outside and now's the time," said Oklahoma Select Gold Softball Coach Scott Smith.

The Olsens say they plan to stay through at least early July.