Olivia Williams '22 Recruiting Profile

I started playing volleyball in fifth grade at Christ Community Lutheran School (CCLS). I played various other sports in the past, including competitive swimming and soccer, but I fell in love with volleyball instantly. The following year, the athletic director placed me on the eighth grade team starting as an all around outside hitter. Playing with older girls taught me an important life skill: by working hard, I could aim higher. By working hard to be the best, I stayed humble, focusing on my own growth and the good of the team. I worked hard in high school and was a starting all around varsity outside hitter my freshman year and captain of the team my junior and senior years. For the past two years, I have led my club and high school volleyball team in number of kills and continued to play all around, developing my defensive skill set.  

I have also learned first-hand that when you set a high goal for yourself and have a lot of determination, anything is possible. Perhaps this sense of determination comes from my ancestors. I have grown up hearing stories about my mom and her family immigrating to America due to religious persecution in Iraq, working their way up from nothing. Eventually, through perseverance, they got off government assistance and opened up businesses all across the country. My mom worked hard in family owned businesses until 10 or 11 p.m. every night and still managed to get into medical school. If you have the opportunity, you have the chance in this country. I'm constantly reminded of how fortunate I am to have these opportunities to do something no one on either side of my family has done: play sports in college. 

When I knew I wanted to play college volleyball, I had to make a plan and execute. I started working out with a personal trainer who helped with my vertical jump and agility with lateral movements. I signed up for summer camps and worked with private coaches. I have been told by coaches that I am very coachable, athletic, versatile, and arise to face challenges. It has been exciting to grow and learn combination plays and execute at a high level. In my final year of playing club volleyball, I will be training with elite coaches that have a history playing and coaching in NCAA Division 1 programs.  

While I am in the gym a lot, I do work hard academically, challenging myself with a hard schedule yearly. Following in my parent's footsteps, I plan on integrating business with my passion for animals in the future. I have worked over the summer in a pet hotel, not only to make money but also to learn first hand all that it takes to run a pet boarding, training, and grooming business.  

I love playing volleyball and cannot imagine stopping after high school.  I am so grateful that in addition to playing the game, it has also given me a sense of family with the girls I have played with for years. I am looking forward to continuing this special relationship and bond between volleyball players at the college level.