Swimming and Diving Spotlight with Olivia Davison
Feb 1, 2020 | Women's Swimming and Diving
NEW ORLEANS - Tulane University freshman Olivia Davison took some time away from her busy schedule this week to chat with TulaneGreenWave.com about life as a student-athlete in this week's Swimming and Diving spotlight. Â
What made you decide to come to Tulane?
"I came here because I really wanted a balance between academics and athletics, and I thought that Tulane really had that. I really liked the atmosphere and the city. And when I met all the girls on the team, I really clicked with them. I enjoyed being around them and I could tell that they would be really hard workers. When I got to see the school and experience everything, it just seemed like an all-around great atmosphere to put myself into."
How did you get introduced to swimming?
"We have a pool five minutes from our house, so I used to swim in the summer a lot. I actually played soccer competitively up until eighth grade, so I was really into soccer. One day, I had a summer league coach come up to me and my parents and say 'hey, she should maybe quit soccer and try this swimming thing full time because she's really good at it'. They could just tell that I really loved it and so I decided to switch over. It was interesting because I was really late to the game. Most swimming started when they are about five years old. When I came in, I was a little bit choppy, but I figured it out."
Being from Kansas City, are you a Chiefs fan?
"Yes I am, yes! We are so excited to be going to the Super Bowl!"
Did you ever think you would see the Chiefs play in the Super Bowl?
"No! It's crazy and it's also really cool because this Super Bowl is the 54th, which in roman numerals is 'LIV'. So, I feel like I may have had a hand in it. I don't want to say that its fate, but I think it is."
Outside of the pool, what do you like to do for fun?
"My roommate and I go biking a lot. I like to write, I write in my journal."
What sort of writing do you do?
"I wrote for the high school yearbook a little bit. I like to keep my writing private! I do like to write, and I like to speak in front of people."
 If you weren't a swimmer, what would you be doing?
"Playing Soccer!"
How would you best describe New Orleans?
"It's a good chaotic energy. Especially when you are downtown it's a little bit chaotic when you are walking around, and people are going everywhere and so many things are going on. It gives you a lot of adrenaline to be in that situation which I like!"
What is your favorite thing to do in New Orleans? Why?
"I just really like biking around school. I think it is really beautiful, even though the streets are a little 'iffy' for biking."
What's the best advice you could give to a future college athlete?
"I really believe in finding a balance at school. I think you have to find a place that feels like home when you are there. If you put yourself in a place that is too much for you, I don't think that you will thrive as much. If you find a place that feels like home and people that can become a second family to you, I think that is really important."
What's the biggest thing you've learned since you've been at Tulane.
"That's a tough one! I've learned perseverance. Perseverance and being mindful of yourself and having self-care. If you get too overwhelmed by everything and you forget to take care of yourself it's not really going to work out. You have to take a step back, gather yourself and keep going."
What is your plan after school? What is your plan in 10 years?
"Right now, I am majoring in environmental biology. I'm either going to take that and go into research or go into law. Both of my parents went into law at first. I think consulting would be cool. I'm really passionate about the environment and climate change. Definitely something having to do with keeping the world 'okay' would be a great career fit for me."
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