Olivia Silfies '22 Recruiting Profile

Although I cannot say I have been around volleyball for most of my life, it has become one of the most important things to me. Both my parents have always pushed me to be the best I could be in whatever sport I chose and have encouraged me to be strong on and off the court. I started playing volleyball back in 6th grade where I instantly loved the game and all the aspects around it. I played and the next year I started playing a club where it got much more competitive. I currently play as a middle blocker for Lehigh Valley Force Volleyball Academy as well as for my high school. Although this is my main position I also play as an outside but am always open to learning all positions and improving my skill. 

I have continued to play since then and along the way, I have learned so much on and off the court. Volleyball is a sport you cannot play by yourself and requires a team. Being a part of a team means you need to communicate with all the players and coaches as well as to adapt to circumstances around you. I believe that being a leader on the court and keeping the team’s energy up is a big part of being a part of your team. The energy you and your team give off affects the way you play so keeping positive energy keeps the people around you positive. Off the court, this has helped me stay strong mentally and physically and has improved my communication skills with the people around me. Taking feedback from coaches and other players as well, is something I always appreciate and take into consideration the moment I get back on that court to try and become a better player as well as a better teammate. 

Staying competitive on the court helps me strive for the best off the court and in my academics with a current 3.75 GPA. I strive to be the best I can be in the classroom and make sure I have a balance to both my education and my athletics. I aspire to be an astronaut but before I enter this career, my goal is to be an aeronautical/aerospace engineer. I am very excited to proceed with my recruiting process as well as see what the future will bring on and off the court.