Due to the current coronavirus situation and all sports being shut down, there are a lot of athletes who have had their senior seasons cut short. ENC Sports Review thought it would be nice to highlight some of these seniors as a small way to celebrate their senior year, since so much has been taken from them already. Today, we will highlight Rocky Mount Academy’s Katie Oliver. We thank Katie for taking the time to sit down with ENC Sports Review and answer these questions for us. We had fun learning more about her and we hope you will too!
How long have you been playing sports?
I have been playing sports for as long as I can remember. I started playing t-ball when I was six. I then started playing travel softball by the time I was eight. While playing travel ball I also played Upward basketball and Upward Cheerleading.
What teams have you been on?
I have been on many teams since starting travel ball at eight. My very first team was the Johnston County Clippers and coincidentally that is the travel team I am on now. So, it’s like I am back where I started. Throughout all my years of playing I have been on nine different travel teams that I can remember. While playing travel softball, in middle school I played school Softball, Volleyball, and Basketball. Then when I reached high school, I played Basketball Sophomore year, and Volleyball my senior year along with Softball all four years.
Who has been your favorite coach and what did he or she teach you that you carry with you today?
Coach Chuck Braswell and Betsy Sauls have been my favorite coaches. They are kind of a package deal. They both have taught me more than softball. They put the love of the game back in it for me. Betsy has not only been an amazing coach, but she has also been a great friend. Chuck has taught me to be a leader, to believe in myself, and to always be open to new ideas. I will always carry with me the valuable lessons they have taught me, the memories we’ve shared, and all the things Chuck has “implored” me to do.
What is your favorite memory and least favorite memory of playing sports?
My favorite memory of playing sports would be everything off the field. Such as team dinners, long car/bus rides, and just becoming family with these girls. Don’t get me wrong, being on the field and cheering on the batter or talking up the pitcher when she is down are great memories too but just not the best.
My least favorite memory would have to be losing a State Playoff game my Junior year in a 16-inning game with a score of 3-0.
What is one thing that if you could do over again, you would change?
There are a lot of things that come to mind that I would change such as knee injuries or any of my injuries but then again, I wouldn’t because those have made me into the player and person I am today. So ultimately, I wouldn’t change anything.
Who is someone you look up to and why?
I would say my mom. She has the most carefree attitude I have ever seen. She is not afraid to say what is on her mind, and she always goes after what she wants. My mom is such a hard worker and pushes everyone around her to do good. I wish to be half the woman she is one day.
If you could go back 5 years and tell yourself something then that you know now, what would it be?
I would want to know to put in the extra work and trust the process. There will be hard times, but it’ll make you the person God wants you to be. Also, I would want to know to not fall into the regular crowd. Standout early and be bold and put myslef out there to schools.
What is something you would tell someone trying to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t. Follow your own path. God has a special plan for everyone. I would say though, always play the game like it’s your last, and always go to practice. Practice might not always be fun but trust me you’ll miss practice just as much as the games when it is over.
If you have played your last high school game, what is something that you will remember for the rest of your life?
Just having fun playing alongside my best friends. Especially my fellow Senior Gabbi Stewart, the laughs and the smiles we shared in that last game will never be forgotten. It was also a plus that we beat one of our known rivals after losing to then a couple days prior in a tournament.
Feel free to add anything else people would like to know about your time playing sports or your future plans.
I just want to say thank you for all the people who supported me along the way. I would not have the opportunity to play at the next level without all the coaches and other players who pushed me along the way.
Thank you again, Katie Oliver , for taking the time to be one of our 2020 senior spotlights. We wish you well on all of your future endeavors.
Attention 2020 Seniors: If you are interested in possibly being our next spotlight, please inbox us with a picture of you (head shot or action shot, or multiple pictures), your name, school, sports/positions played and answers to some or all of the questions above.
Note: All photographs have been contributed to this post from the senior’s family.
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