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Senior Student Athlete Profile: Olivia Long (Parkers Prairie)

By Craig Olson, 05/25/20, 7:15PM CDT

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Parkers Prairie senior Olivia Long was in volleyball and track and field during her high school years and plans on attending NDSU to major in Biological Sciences and then pre-med to become a Neonatal Doctor.  During high school her favorite subjects were Anatomy, Biology and World History.

“My top sports memories include attending track meets and practices with all the throwers and making it as far as I did in my first year as a thrower,” said Long.  “My top volleyball memories are “all the crazy adventures with my team and the spur of the moment trips to Granny’s, hiking, and our sleepovers.  It was also beating Underwood in 3 sets, and just the laughs with my team.”

Panthers Volleyball Coach Amy Revering said, “Olivia loves the game of volleyball and it showed! She was always smiling and encouraging others while she was playing. She definitely knew when to take things serious and when to lighten things up! She played with heart and with fire. She was a well-rounded front row player... a solid block, great hands to step in when needed to set the second ball, and a very consistent hitter. Her athletic ability, her calm demeanor, and her big smile on the court will be missed!”

“Being involved in sports has helped shape me into the person I am today,” acknowledged Long.  “I learned to be determined and try my best to succeed in everything I do and to always give 100 percent.  It taught me how important friendships are and to value others.  It also taught me to be patient, because not everything you want is going to come all at one.  Sports taught me to not always put myself first, because it’s team effort that leads to success and it also means to help others who are struggling.”


As for missing out on her final spring track and field season, Long says, “Not being able to play my senior year is a huge bummer and I wish things could’ve been different.  I miss all of my teammates, friends and senior class.  I do still keep in touch with them, but it’s not the same as seeing their faces every day.  I also miss being able to work out with my team in the weight rooms and it’s definitely hard to do it on your own with the coaches pushing you.  I often find myself thinking that this would be the perfect day for a meet or a game on nice days.  Although I didn’t get to have my season, I am looking forward to the times when we can all get together and maybe do a meet or practice just for fun.”

Long added this comment directed at underclassmen, “To all the other students who will get a season next year, don’t take any moments for granted.  Make every practice count and don’t complain about it.  Give 100 percent at your meets and games and leave it on the court or field.  Cherish the time you have with your teammates, work hard and just enjoy every moment.”