Olivia Pasternak

• Hard-working
• Self-disciplined
• Detail-oriented
• Curious
• Reliable

Within a team I work cooperatively by contributing my skills and knowledge toward achieving common goals. To make sure everyone is on the same page, I successfully communicate while carefully listening to others and respecting their differing points of view. I promote an enjoyable and open environment by positively providing ideas and feedback. I’m also flexible, ready to step into other positions as needed, and eager to help teammates out when difficulties occur. My goal is to be a great leader both on and off the court to be able to promote teamwork, and assist the team in realising its full potential.

The highlight of my volleyball career has definitely been winning 15u nationals. After only playing volleyball for a year, I was able to see that my commitment, dedication, and hard-work had all paid off. I felt very proud of myself during this moment because I showed myself that I can achieve anything by being consistent and patient. After this moment I knew that it was important that I keep working hard so that I would be able to achieve something like this again in the future.

Outside of sports I enjoy travelling and puzzles. Travelling is one of my favourite things to do as it allows me to explore different cultures, customs, and ways of life. It also is a great stress reliever, which is most definitely needed after a busy school year. Puzzles are another one of my hobbies. I love the feeling of finally finishing one, and the relaxation I feel when putting one together. Overall, I would say that the hobbies that I have outside my sport help me to gain special skill sets that can later help me on the court.

My role model is Roger Federer. His exceptional tennis career, characterised by several Grand Slam titles and records showcases his dedication, skill and perseverance, which inspires me greatly. His sportsmanship on and off the court is widely admired by many athletes, and his humility was a great example for me to handle victories and losses in a good manner. Roger Federer has always been a great role model in all aspects of his life, and I know that I will continue to be inspired by him even after his retirement.

Before volleyball, I played tennis competitively for 7 years which allowed me to gain skills that volleyball players may not have, and it was important to me that I was able to be perform my best on the court. Being involved in extracurricular sports is super important to me because it allows me to develop a well-rounded skill set. It also helps me manage my time better, and be a good leader. Participating in extracurricular activities and sports all of my life has allowed me to create better future opportunities for myself to have an advantage when applying to universities.

Highest Academic French Award- This was one of my proudest moments because I worked hard all semester to achieve high grades in all my classes, and receiving this award made me realize that all my hard work had paid off. Being in the IB programme while at the same time playing a competitive sport has been challenging, but it has helped me grow as a person, and I know that it will definitely pay off in the future.

In school I would love to attend a science program. Biology, forensics, pathology, or biochemistry is something that I am interested in more specifically.

I anticipate having a very busy but successful time in university. I see myself playing volleyball alongside great teammates, enjoying every course I’m taking, and following my academic pathway. I believe that I will have a great connection with all my coaches and teammates and that we will perform well throughout the entire season. I am really looking forward to my time at university and all of the experiences I will create and always cherish.