Olivia Boden, a rising talent in Southern California volleyball, plays as an Outside Hitter for SC Legends 12 Elite. Known for her relentless drive, fearless mentality, and passion for the game, Olivia has quickly emerged as a standout competitor on the court. With a hunger to grow and a heart set on making every moment count, she embraces every challenge with confidence and grit. Whether delivering powerful swings, locking in on defense, or lifting her teammates, Olivia’s presence embodies the spirit of a leader who is determined to leave her mark on the game she loves.

How did you get started playing volleyball, and what made you fall in love with the sport?
The first sport I played was tennis, which I played for two years. However, I wanted to try a team-based sport, where I could meet new people and be a part of something bigger. In 2022, my older sister, Jenna, began playing volleyball, and I became fascinated by the sport. As I watched her during private lessons, practices, and games, I became inspired by seeing how hard she worked and became intrigued by the dynamics of the sport. This convinced me to put away my tennis racket and try volleyball, which sparked my love for the sport.

What made me fall in love with volleyball was when I went on the court, and it felt like home… a place where I can be my true self and escape from everything else going on in my life. In a short time, volleyball has brought me friendships that I will forever cherish, an outlet for me to express myself freely, and has created a passion within that drives me to grow, mentally and physically.

Who has been the most influential person in your volleyball journey so far?
The most influential person in my volleyball journey so far is my older sister, Jenna. For the two years she’s only played, I’ve watched how she’s worked tirelessly to improve her skills, compete with girls that have played years longer than her, and has persevered every obstacle she faced without ever giving up. She is the reason I began volleyball, and every day I am inspired by her.

What position do you play, and what do you enjoy most about it?
Currently, I am an Outside Hitter/Defensive Specialist. However, I know I am still developing, so I still work on other skills needed to be a Libero and Setter. As an Outside, coaches always want me swinging and hitting harder. Although I enjoy being an offensive player as an Outside, I mostly enjoy playing defense, where I can pass the ball and help my teammates also make plays and score points.

How do you balance academics, volleyball, and personal time during the season?
Juggling volleyball, my academics, and personal time is challenging, but the key to managing it all is having good time management. I balance everything by managing my time well, staying organized, and setting my priorities and goals on a regular basis. Also, my mom helps organize my calendar to keep track of practices, games, and assignments so I can easily see all of my tasks, appointments, and deadlines in one place. Volleyball is very important to me, but I always set some time aside for hanging out with friends, meditation, God, and family.

What’s your favorite memory from your volleyball experience?
My favorite memory I have is from this past season when we received a USA bid to Nationals at Red Rock.

What’s a typical training day like for you during the season?
A typical training day for me usually includes some strengthening and conditioning drills to help build strength, stamina, and endurance. Also, I do a plyometric workout to increase my vertical jump. On the days I do not have practice, which is three times a week, I have private lessons with three other coaches.

How would you describe your team’s chemistry this season?
The chemistry on my team this season was really unique and has not been like any other team that I have played on before. Being a part of this team inspired me to push myself beyond my comfort zone, physically and mentally. It motivated me to continuously work hard at my skills and strive to become the best athlete and teammate that I can be for my team, but most importantly, for myself.

What’s one drill or workout you secretly enjoy (or hate to love)?
One drill I secretly enjoy is short court. This drill helps strengthen my ball control and think of creative ways to score.

How do you prepare mentally and physically for a game or big tournament?
Before each game or tournament, if available, my mom and I watch film on the team(s) we will be playing. This helps me focus on areas of improvement and what I need to work on offensively and defensively that will help us win. Also, to prepare physically for a big tournament, I try to not overwork my body, eat healthy, and get a good night’s rest so I’ll be strong, energized, and focused for the game or tournament. To prepare mentally, I always say a quick prayer and meditate to maintain clarity and focus.

What personal goals have you set for yourself this season?
One personal goal I have set for myself this season is to be more strategic and dynamic with my hitting. Another personal goal I set for myself is to expand my current skill set and develop the necessary skills for the Libero and Setter positions.

What’s a piece of advice you’ve received from a coach that stuck with you?
A piece of advice I’ve received from a coach that stuck with me was, “Play for yourself. Get better for yourself and not for anyone else or because someone thinks you should do it.” She told me that many young girls seek validation from their coaches or parents and need to hear their coach tell them how good they are doing and lose their love for the sport when they don’t get the validation they seek. Ever since she gave me this advice, I always say to myself as I put in my court shoes for practice, a game, or private lesson, this is for me… I’m going to work hard and give 100 percent so I can be a better volleyball player. “I do this for me!”

What motivates you to keep pushing through tough practices or losses?
My love for the sport is what always motivates me to keep pushing through tough practices or losses, as well as all the other obstacles and challenges I’ve encountered so far throughout my volleyball journey. I look back and see how much I have grown and improved, and that pushes me to keep moving forward and to continuously strive to get better. Also, I remind myself of the things I’m grateful for, especially being given the opportunity to play the sport I love.

Where do you see yourself in volleyball over the next 3–5 years?
In 3–5 years, I hope to be playing for a high school that competes in a highly competitive division. Also, I hope to be on a 1s team for a club in the Southern California Volleyball Association, playing against other competitive teams that will prepare me physically and mentally for high school level volleyball.

How do you handle pressure during close matches or high-stakes points?
At the beginning of this season, it was hard for me to not panic, choke, or even get frustrated during close matches or high-stakes points. But over the course of this season, playing against some of the best teams in the SCVA, I learned how to stay calm and composed during critical times in games. Being able to reset and take a deep breath after a mistake or error really helps me stay calm and has helped my mental game. Also, saying a quick prayer for strength has helped me significantly during pivotal times this season.

Who’s the funniest teammate on the squad, and why?
The funniest teammate on the squad is Hailey, my setter. She shares the funniest jokes on and off the court, which helps ease the pressure and lighten the mood during high-pressure moments.

Favorite volleyball player or team you look up to?
My favorite volleyball player that I admire is Harper Murray, the Outside Hitter from Nebraska.

Do you have any pre-game rituals, superstitions, or pump-up songs?
A pre-game ritual I have is doing my daily meditation, listening to hype music, and hearing my mom’s motivational speech before each practice or game.

What’s your go-to post-tournament meal or snack?
My go-to post-tournament meal is a burger and fries from In-N-Out or the 3-Finger Combo from Raising Cane’s.

If you weren’t playing volleyball, what sport would you try instead?
Soccer

What’s something fans or coaches might be surprised to learn about you?
Something fans and coaches would probably be surprised to learn about me is that I have a good sense of humor and can be very comedic at times. I really enjoy making others laugh and smile, on and off the court.

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