Q&A with Bishop England volleyball player, 2AA Player of the Year Olivia DeMarco
CHARLESTON, S.C. — A Q&A with Olivia DeMarco who is a volleyball player at Bishop England High School and for the Palmetto Strikers.
Olivia DeMarco, 2AA Player of the Year
Age: 17
Sport: Volleyball
Years Sport: 7 years
Year: 2024
What are your personal goals within your sport/athletic dreams?
Olivia DeMarco: I’ve always wanted to play volleyball at the top level. Throughout my years of playing, I’ve always focused on making every practice count no matter the circumstances. Not only did I want to get better on the court but to be a good teammate. My biggest goal right now is to play the sport I love in college.
What is your biggest challenge in your sport, and what do you do to manage this challenge?
DeMarco: The biggest challenge in my sport right now is my arm. A few months ago, I tore my rotator cuff, and it pushed me away from volleyball for a little while. It not only stopped me from playing but it brought down my confidence, and playing a sport at the top level you can never lack confidence. Recently, I have gone to physical therapy and have started to slowly gain more and more confidence back as I continue to practice.
What was the best advice you were ever given?
DeMarco: The best advice I was ever given was to just have fun. When you are having fun on the court and enjoying yourself it allows you to love the game even more.
What do you love about your sport?
DeMarco: There is so much to love about this sport. I love the lifelong friendships I’ve made, the happiness it brings me, and of course just the game itself. I have always loved the atmosphere it brings.
What do you like to do outside of your sport?
DeMarco: I love to go to the beach with my friends, play tennis with my sisters, read books, and go on runs.
What has being a member of a team taught you?
DeMarco: Being a member of a team has taught me the importance of teammates. My teammates are like my best friends and having them with you on the court allows me to stay calm and enjoy the game because I know they will always have my back.
What is the best piece of advice you received from a coach or mentor?
DeMarco: The best piece of advice that I received from my sister when I got injured was ‘It’s not a setback it’s a comeback’. This piece of advice will stick with me for the rest of my life.
Describe a mistake you made while competing and how you overcame it.
DeMarco: A mistake I’ve made while competing was during a tournament when I was just off on my hitting, and I kept getting down on myself. I then realized that I’m in control and that it’s up to me to turn things around. So, I started to look inward within myself to turn things around.
Where do you find inspiration?
DeMarco: Having two older sisters that play Division 1 Collegiate soccer is truly an inspiration. I see how hard they work on and off the field and it inspires me every day. They will always be my biggest role models. Seeing how hard my younger sister works at the sport she loves is inspiring as well and I hope one day she will look up to me.
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