Get to know Toledo volleyball player Olivia Vance
Get to Know: Olivia Vance
7/31/2019 2:34:00 PM | Women's Volleyball
This summer, we'll be taking the time to highlight each of our 15 volleyball student-athletes. Get to know your Rocket volleyball squad and come out to Savage Arena this season, which kicks off with a home exhibition match against Indianapolis on Aug. 24.
Olivia Vance | Freshman | Middle Blocker | Saline, Mich.
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When did you first start playing volleyball?
I first started playing volleyball in sixth grade. My friend's mom asked if I wanted to try out for a rec volleyball league (it wasn't really a tryout, they took everyone), but that's where you first got a glimpse of the game, and I've been playing ever since.
What's your earliest volleyball memory?
One of my earliest volleyball memories is from the rec league team I started out on. I remember being in a drill where all we had to do was serve the ball underhand from the middle of the court. I could not get the task done and I remember being so frustrated, but I kept working on it and eventually I was able to, but I'll never forget where I started.
What is your favorite thing about being a volleyball player?
One of my favorite things about being a volleyball player is the preparation between games and blocking. I love the preparation for a game and being excited all day to play, while I also love getting a good old stuff block. It's so satisfying to shut your opponent down.
Why did you decide to come to the University of Toledo to play volleyball?
I have a lot of family in this area that have gone through Toledo, including my grandfather Burt Spice who played basketball here and then went to the NBA. I was actually on my first visit here and my mom and I came across his MAC Championship photo in Savage Arena. It honestly just felt right for that reason and many others. I really loved the team and coaches and the school.
Who is your role model?
Serena Williams. She squashes adversity when it comes her way and she's just an empowering person.
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What is your favorite spot on campus?
The Bell Tower on University Hall.
What is your major and why did you choose it?
Business. I chose it because one day I'm going to be the CEO of my own Fortune 500 company. Or I'll change my major a million times, I'll let you know where I end up.
What do you want to do after graduation?
I'd love to take my fifth year of eligibility if I still have it and go to graduate school in the south and play beach volleyball for a year, or go professional overseas, or even just get my master's degree and start grinding.
Not including volleyball, what is your favorite sport to watch?
My favorite sport to watch is basketball. I love the intensity and how teams move on the court. My favorite professional sports team is the Boston Celtics, I'm a huge Kyrie Irving fan so I am loyal to wherever he goes.
What are your hobbies outside of sports?
I dabble in piano and the ukulele when I have down time. I love animals so I tend to spend a lot of my time around them. I just enjoy being outside too.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever gotten?
If you don't sacrifice for what you want in life, what you want will become the sacrifice.
What is your dream vacation spot?
Monument Valley on the Arizona/Utah border is one of the most breathtaking places I've ever traveled too and I'd love to vacation there forever.
What is your favorite restaurant in Toledo?
Rudy's Hotdogs.
What is the best concert you've ever been to?
The Weeknd.
Have you ever met a celebrity/how did you meet them?
One time I said hi to Andre Drummond but he didn't hear me.
What is your favorite:
Movie: Gran Torino
TV Show: Game of Thrones
Musical Artist: Drake, or the Weeknd, or XXXtentacion
Book: The Shack
Holiday: Christmas
Comfort Food: Chicken and waffles
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Olivia Vance | Freshman | Middle Blocker | Saline, Mich.
Â
When did you first start playing volleyball?
I first started playing volleyball in sixth grade. My friend's mom asked if I wanted to try out for a rec volleyball league (it wasn't really a tryout, they took everyone), but that's where you first got a glimpse of the game, and I've been playing ever since.
What's your earliest volleyball memory?
One of my earliest volleyball memories is from the rec league team I started out on. I remember being in a drill where all we had to do was serve the ball underhand from the middle of the court. I could not get the task done and I remember being so frustrated, but I kept working on it and eventually I was able to, but I'll never forget where I started.
What is your favorite thing about being a volleyball player?
One of my favorite things about being a volleyball player is the preparation between games and blocking. I love the preparation for a game and being excited all day to play, while I also love getting a good old stuff block. It's so satisfying to shut your opponent down.
Why did you decide to come to the University of Toledo to play volleyball?
I have a lot of family in this area that have gone through Toledo, including my grandfather Burt Spice who played basketball here and then went to the NBA. I was actually on my first visit here and my mom and I came across his MAC Championship photo in Savage Arena. It honestly just felt right for that reason and many others. I really loved the team and coaches and the school.
Who is your role model?
Serena Williams. She squashes adversity when it comes her way and she's just an empowering person.
Â
What is your favorite spot on campus?
The Bell Tower on University Hall.
What is your major and why did you choose it?
Business. I chose it because one day I'm going to be the CEO of my own Fortune 500 company. Or I'll change my major a million times, I'll let you know where I end up.
What do you want to do after graduation?
I'd love to take my fifth year of eligibility if I still have it and go to graduate school in the south and play beach volleyball for a year, or go professional overseas, or even just get my master's degree and start grinding.
Not including volleyball, what is your favorite sport to watch?
My favorite sport to watch is basketball. I love the intensity and how teams move on the court. My favorite professional sports team is the Boston Celtics, I'm a huge Kyrie Irving fan so I am loyal to wherever he goes.
What are your hobbies outside of sports?
I dabble in piano and the ukulele when I have down time. I love animals so I tend to spend a lot of my time around them. I just enjoy being outside too.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever gotten?
If you don't sacrifice for what you want in life, what you want will become the sacrifice.
What is your dream vacation spot?
Monument Valley on the Arizona/Utah border is one of the most breathtaking places I've ever traveled too and I'd love to vacation there forever.
What is your favorite restaurant in Toledo?
Rudy's Hotdogs.
What is the best concert you've ever been to?
The Weeknd.
Have you ever met a celebrity/how did you meet them?
One time I said hi to Andre Drummond but he didn't hear me.
What is your favorite:
Movie: Gran Torino
TV Show: Game of Thrones
Musical Artist: Drake, or the Weeknd, or XXXtentacion
Book: The Shack
Holiday: Christmas
Comfort Food: Chicken and waffles
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