Between practices, classes and study tables, sophomore Olivia Wren has exactly what it takes to juggle the demands of being both a student and an athlete. Balancing these worlds isn’t easy, so in this Q&A, Olivia talks about how she manages both worlds.
Can you tell me your name, year and what sport you play? I’m Olivia Wren. I am a sophomore graduating in 2026, and I play women’s basketball.
How long have you been playing basketball? Since I was 5 years old.
How do you balance your academics and athletics? This year it’s mostly study tables that have helped me a lot. And I would say always looking at my assignments beforehand.
What do study tables entail? So, after practice on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. we all spend two hours working on homework together.
What is your major and why did you choose that route? I am doing Liberal Arts but I plan to move into human services when I transfer to a four-year college and I chose that because I like to help people.
What career goals are you excited about outside of athletics? I would say helping youth, especially around my age. Especially minorities because I feel like there is so much lack of support with everything and just making sure that kids have somebody to lean on and talk to and to understand them.
Do you have a pre- and post-game routine? I always eat. And I take a nap before every game. I really like to listen to Rod Wave or G Herbo.
Do you have any hobbies outside of basketball? I love to watch shows. I love “Greys Anatomy.” I just watched a show called “The Hunting Wives,” and “NCIS.”
What challenges have you faced being a student-athlete? I would say maturity for sure, having to grow up and understand that you have real responsibilities and this is not high school anymore.
Have you ever considered quitting? If so, why did you stick with it?
Yes. I thought about quitting just because I feel like it’s so much to deal with and you are juggling so many responsibilities, and it can be a lot of pressure sometimes, especially from peers and family members. But I stuck with it because it is a gateway to so many more opportunities and I feel like it gives you a lot of real-world examples about how you can push yourself in the outside world and not just in basketball.
What is a favorite memory you have made with your teammates? I would say regionals when we won to go to nationals, and then nationals when we were just making TikToks and being together.
Do you have a most memorable experience that you’ve played? Our game vs. Iowa Central, me and my old teammate, Jenna, from last year had like 30 points. I think I had 20 or almost 20. I was just making really great passes to everyone and really excited.
Where do you picture yourself in five years? Where do you want your sport to take you? In five years, I hope to have graduated college and started a family. I don’t want to play professionally, but I want basketball to carry me through college.
If you weren’t an athlete what would you spend your time doing? I feel like I’ve always struggled with that. I feel like that’s with a lot of athletes. Me personally, I don’t know what I’d be doing. I’ve been in it since I was young.
Do you have anything you’d like to add? Or any tips for students who want to go into college athletics? I would say that mental health for anybody is important, but student-athletes are very important because again, there is so much pressure and responsibility, so much is expected of you. If you’re going to be an athlete take it easy on yourself and obviously do the best you can but don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help and support.
Categories: Basketball, Sports
