Meet the Athlete: Olivia Etz

Senior+co-captain+Olivia+Etz+roller+skis+down+a+neighborhood+road+Oct.+26.+Olivia+is+a+three-season+athlete+competing+in+cross+country%2C+nordic+and+track.+

Abigail Prestholdt

Senior co-captain Olivia Etz roller skis down a neighborhood road Oct. 26. Olivia is a three-season athlete competing in cross country, nordic and track.

Maria Perez Barriga

How long have you been playing Nordic?

I have been on the Nordic team since ninth grade. 

What got you interested in playing the sport?

I have been skiing since I was little because my family skis. So it was just a natural thing for me to do — to join the Nordic team once I got to high school. 

What do you like the most about playing Nordic?

I really love the community of the team. I also like getting outside during the winter and enjoying the snow. 

What is your favorite memory of playing Nordic?

My favorite memory was the winter trip last year. We went up to Giants Ridge, and I had a really fun time just skiing with my teammates. We went for a couple of days. 

What is the hardest thing about the sport? 

The hardest part for me is getting the technique down of skiing because there (are) two different types of races, ‘classic and skate.’ You really have to work on technique for both types to ski your fastest. 

Who would you say would be your role model and why?

My role model is Mimi Kniser (12), she is my teammate. She puts in a lot of hard work for the sport, and I really look up to her because of it. 

What would you like to improve on for this upcoming season? 

This year I have been training a lot this summer and fall, so I am really hoping that that will pay off, and I will be able to ski even faster times this year. 

What are you looking forward to this season for Nordic as the senior captain?

I am looking forward to hoping the new kids get excited about Nordic and showing them how great of a team it is. 

Any advice you would like to give to people who are just starting Nordic Skiing?

I would tell them to be patient at learning because getting the hang of it can be a little tricky. But once you get it, it’s so much fun.