Utah Jazz Head Coach Will Hardy Visits Injured LLWS Player
Sep 6, 2022, 11:32 AM

New Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy, right, hugs Utah Jazz president Jim Olson at the Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, July 5, 2022. (Photo: Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)
(Photo: Kristin Murphy/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy visited Easton Oliverson, the injured Little League World Series (LLWS) player on Monday in Salt Lake City.
Easton Oliverson’s Instagram (@miraclesfortank) posted the visit from Jazz head coach Will Hardy on Tuesday morning.
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“Tank had a very special visitor yesterday – the head coach of the Utah Jazz, Will Hardy!” The post read. “This is a very unique experience that Easton will never forget. We are so grateful for him taking time out of his day to come and help our Easton feel loved, and motivated to keep moving forward!”
The post continued with what Easton has in front of him in regard to his recovery.
“Easton has a very busy day ahead of him,” the post continued. “We are grateful for the many hospital workers who are utilizing every single moment to make sure that he is progressing now, and also prepared to continue his recovery at home. Please keep praying that he will have the energy (both physically and mentally) to complete each task today so that he can be one step closer to making it home! Thank you, we love you!”
Hardy was officially introduced as the next head coach of the Utah Jazz on July 5, 2022. Being the head coach for just over two months, Hardy is already out and making a difference in the Salt Lake City community.
Oliverson underwent emergency surgery after falling from a bunk bed in Williamsport. He needed to be air lifted to the hospital. His uncle confirmed that his brain was reacting well following the procedure and that he is currently located in the intensive care unit of the hospital but no additional information is known regarding his status.
Oliverson is listed as a pitcher and outfielder for the Snow Canyon Baseball team who recently became the first team from the state of Utah to ever qualify for the Little League World Series which is held annually in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Team Utah was eliminated from the Little League World Series following losses to Iowa and Tennessee.