Rachel Oliver '17 Recruiting Profile

"It's never too late to be great", said my PE teacher during teacher conferences as he tried to convince my mom that I should join track and field. I had never done track and I didn't know throwing was in existence until freshman year.  But eventually I joined because I initially just wanted to improve; get stronger, sprint faster, just BE better. Then that year, track became more than just another workout, it became my family. I was fighting depression when I first entered high school,  then the kindness that the track program provided helped me gain confidence and overall find joy again. The next year, my sophomore year,  I joined track not only to improve but to also give back that experience. Now, facing my final years of high school, I would love to compete at College. Throwing is my safe place, even through the difficult workouts, and I am willing to give 100% at everything. I want to learn new throwing techniques and I am eager to receive advice to help me rise to the next level. The distances you see are from a nearly self-taught thrower. My throwing coach is the JV head coach and helps with beginner throwers. I have been helping teaching new throwers since Sophomore year, taking a leadership role. I go to you tube for guidance on discus, since Coach Thomas specializes in shot, yet my time with him is very limited throughout the season.  I would love to learn rotational shot put, and any other new techniques to perfect my throw. I may seem to be a diamond in the rough, but my greatest strengths are determination and character.  I have never thought of myself as a "classical athlete", but I have compassion, enthusiasm, and a hard core work ethic.