VYPE: What do you love most about being a student-athlete at Seneca HS?
Olivia Leonard: The thing I love most about being a student athlete at Seneca is that all the teachers understand how much work we put into our sports and that sometimes, we may need help catching up on what we missed.
VYPE: What’s your favorite subject in school and do you have a favorite teacher?
OL: My favorite subject is definitely history. Mrs. Charles is an excellent history teacher. I have taken two of her advanced courses including Dual Credit American history and AP government. Unfortunately, she is leaving to take up a new job in Kansas City. We will all miss her!
VYPE: What grade are you in and how long have you played Volleyball?
OL: I’m an upcoming senior. I have played volleyball since first grade PIP. I have grown to love it over the years, and it’s been an incredible journey!
VYPE: What part of your game is most improved coming into this season?
OL: I definitely think I have improved significantly in my defensive passing skills, even though I’m a front row player. All that work has paid off.
VYPE: Jump serve or standing serve? Which do you prefer and why?
OL: I definitely prefer standing serve. I haven’t gotten the hang of jump serve quite yet. Standing serve is also easier to use when spot serving to a specific place on the court. Although, the girls who have got it down are insane servers!!
VYPE: Which teammate always impresses you the most or do you have a former teammate who left an impression on you?
OL: My former teammate Brylee Sage definitely left an impression on me during my freshman year. I saw how hard she worked and every game she put herself out on that court. She was always talking and running around trying to get every ball. She was an inspiration for me to continue my volleyball career and continue working hard on my hitting skills.
VYPE: Who is the best setter on the team?
OL: Anna Adkins is definitely the best, even if she doesn’t always love to do it! She makes things easy for me as a hitter.
VYPE: What is your favorite pre-game and post-game meal?
OL: I don’t eat much before games because it can upset my stomach. But Braum’s medium fries and a peppermint shake always hits the spot on late nights after a long game.
VYPE: What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
OL: In my free time I spend time on homework, and other extra curriculars such as speech and debate and FCCLA. I even qualified to state with FCCLA and Nationals for Speech and Debate. I’m not just an athlete. I want to be a well-rounded person.
VYPE: What would you like to do after you graduate?
OL: After I graduate, I plan to go to a university or flight school to become a commercial pilot. Hopefully I will be able to use that opportunity to travel the world.
