By Athletics Commincations Intern Derek Blalock
The past four years have been anything but easy for Oakland senior Olivia Strevett from a concussion to a career-ending sickness. But if these moments have shown her anything, it's been the support and family atmosphere that Oakland swimming and diving prides itself on.
"I don't know how many times I've had to talk to Pete about one thing or another, and he never once was ever mad or upset," said Strevett, who ended her career in December because of illness. "I can't tell you how much that means to me that he was always there for me.
"None of us wanted it to end this way. It was hard to tell them that I was no longer to swim and they meant the world to me with there responses and were so supportive. I didn't actually think it would end the way it did with only a couple months left, and it was pretty heartbreaking."
Strevett, who had a long-time goal of attending college in the United States, came to Oakland from Westmount Secondary School in Hamilton, Ontario, and committed almost immediately after her official visit because of the atmosphere and camaraderie.
Once at Oakland, Strevett wasted no time making an immediate impact in the pool for the Golden Grizzlies.
As a true freshman, she placed in sixth at the Horizon League Championship in the 400 IM, accompanied by 11th- and 13th-place finishes in the 1,650 freestyle and the 500 freestyle, respectively. The following season, she placed eighth in the 1,650 freestyle, 10th in the 400 IM, and 11th in the 500 freestyle, providing crucial points for the Golden Grizzlies as they won their 22nd and 23rd consecutive conference titles those two years.
"She's just a wonderful young lady," longtime Head Coach Pete Hovland said. "It's so sad to have it happen this way, but she's come to grips with it. She's been a great teammate, and she's still here for her teammates emotionally and still supporting her teammates."
Not only have the coaches aided her through difficult circumstances, but her teammates have also been rock solid in her support as she had to decide to give up the sport she's loved for the past 16 years.
"My roommate, Krissy (Harmon), has been there since day one," Strevett said. "Having struggled to end my senior season early, she was there for me. Amber (Lefler) was there as well. We lived together freshman year, and have been close ever since then. The whole team wants me included even though I'm not technically on the team. It's been nice to still have that support.
"(Amber) definitely cares so much for everyone, and so willing to put other people before herself. I definitely go to her many times to talk about when I was struggling with school in general or anything, she's definitely that mom figure."
Strevett plans on returning to Canada and is excited to possibly continue her life in sports with a future job in marketing for a sports organization or team.
"I think you learn a lot about yourself as an athlete and what you can do," Strevett said. "You kind of underestimate what you're capable of, and I think I've learned a lot about myself in this process."
