Q&A: Chargers volleyball freshman Olivia Falborg
By Erin Jackson
GALESBURG — Olivia Falborg is in her first season as a member of the Sandburg volleyball team. The 6-foot-1 middle hitter has helped the Chargers get off to a 10-2 start. She sat down with sandburgchargers.com to share more about herself and how she came to Sandburg.
Where did you live before you came to Sandburg?
I grew up in Davenport, Iowa, but I also lived in Denmark, Brazil and Germany. There are a lot of cultural differences that I learned about. Because I lived in different countries, I experienced and attended a lot of schools, with Sandburg being my 15th school. As I look back, I reflect on the positive impacts of traveling in my childhood.
How do you unwind and have fun when you're not hitting the books or on the court?
I do have a very busy schedule with very little downtime, so I spend time with my family whenever I can. This is the time I value the most.
If you could swap your sport for any other hobby for a day, what would you choose and why?
If I could swap volleyball for any other hobby, I would choose pottery. My creativity can come alive as I make creations; however, my first creation would be a vase. I find pottery peaceful, and I can easily unwind from a busy day.
If you could compete in any country of the world, where would it be and what would you do after a competition?
If I could choose any country to compete in, I would choose Greece. The food is delicious and the scenery is beautiful. If I wasn't playing, I would spend my time sightseeing, and I would definitely go back to experience more on my own time.
Do you follow any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I don't follow any pre-game rituals or superstitions. However, I do warm up with my headphones in before every game. My go-to song is "Can't Go Broke" by Zeddy Will, since I prefer to listen to hype rap music. I never want to listen to music that will bring my mood down, like sad or slow songs.
Who is someone that you aspire to be in athletics? Who is your role model in life?
My number one inspiration for volleyball would be Justice Jackson. She was a middle at my high school, and I really liked her dedication and grind in the gym. Off the court, my mom is my greatest role model. I've always looked at her as my biggest cheerleader and inspiration in life.
What caught your attention at Sandburg and why did you choose to commit?
Sandburg gave me a second chance at volleyball, and I found somewhere where I feel like I can achieve my educational goals. At first, I looked into the dental hygiene program, but later I became interested in their biochem program because I gained experience as a dental assistant.
Have you experienced any setbacks in your athletic career? If so, how did you overcome it both physically and mentally?
I was injured in high school, so playing in college never came across my mind. That was until I found Sandburg and talked to (Chargers coach) Todd (Winkler). Initially, I was planning on being a part of the practice team, but I found myself on the team. At that time, my love for the sport became bigger.