In the world of youth sports, few athletes shine as brightly as Olivia “Livi” Thies, a 13-year-old volleyball prodigy from Lincoln, Nebraska. As she enters her fifth year of club volleyball, Olivia’s journey showcases her dedication, athleticism, and passion for the game.

A Dedicated Athlete

Olivia’s journey in volleyball has been marked by impressive accomplishments. Her current team has not only qualified for the USA Volleyball (USAV) National Championships for the past two years but has also ranked in the top 10 as of 2024. This remarkable achievement speaks volumes about her competitive spirit and the quality of her play. During the summer of 2023, Olivia took her skills to the next level by teaming up with a 16-and-under (16u) squad at the AAU National Championships. This experience allowed her to compete against some of the best young talents in the nation, further solidifying her status as a formidable athlete on the court.

What sets Olivia apart isn’t just her performance on the indoor court; her enthusiasm for volleyball extends to the sand. In 2025, she shined at the Sand Nationals, where she and her partner placed fourth in the 14 Open category. This event showcased her versatility as players transition between indoor and outdoor formats and demonstrated her ability to thrive in various playing conditions. With an impressive record from the previous summer, Olivia and her partner won 133 out of 166 sets played, a testament to their hard work, teamwork, and strategic gameplay.

Beach Volleyball: A Supplement to Success

Engaging in beach volleyball has provided Olivia with a unique advantage; the fast-paced, agile gameplay required in the sand translates beautifully to her indoor performance. Olivia has traveled to locations like Alabama and Virginia, allowing her to broaden her experiences and skills within the sport. Her participation in various national competitions has placed her among the top 10 in the National Team Development Program (NTDP), further demonstrating her elite status in youth volleyball. The agility and stamina she develops in beach volleyball make her an even more dynamic player on the court, where her ability to execute complex plays and quick transitions is increasingly crucial.

Academic Excellence

Balancing athletics and academics, Olivia maintains a stellar 4.0 GPA while navigating the challenges of eighth grade. She exhibits a strong dedication to her studies and participates in courses at both the eighth-grade and high school levels. This balance between her academic commitments and her extensive involvement in volleyball speaks to her exceptional time management skills and determination.

Olivia’s academic success complements her athletic endeavors, illustrating her as a well-rounded individual. The inherent discipline necessary for both academics and sports allows her to develop skills that extend beyond the volleyball court, making her a role model for young athletes everywhere.

Diverse Athletic Background

Before devoting herself to volleyball, Olivia was a gymnast and a member of an all-star cheerleading team for eight years. This background in gymnastics instilled in her a strong foundation of flexibility, coordination, and body awareness, crucial components for success in volleyball. The skills gained from gymnastics enhance her performance, making her a more agile and balanced player.

As a ball shagger for the Nebraska Husker volleyball team, Olivia has familiarized herself with high-level collegiate play, gaining insights into tournament preparation and competitive strategies. She looks up to college players, finding inspiration in their dedication and teamwork, which she hopes to emulate in her own athletic career.

Aspirations and Goals

Olivia’s passion for volleyball is deeply rooted in her appreciation of the game’s fast pace and competitive nature. She expressed her enjoyment for both the court and sand variations, highlighting her love for the teamwork aspect of the sport, where collaborative effort leads to shared success. Currently, she identifies as a six-rotation outside hitter but showcases versatility by having experience in nearly every position on the court, allowing her adaptability to shine.

Looking to the future, Olivia has set her sights on playing for a collegiate volleyball program. She envisions herself being not just a participant, but a vital contributor to her team’s success. This determination is driven by her desire to push her limits, develop her skills further, and represent her school and community at higher levels.

Community and Support

In the local community of Lincoln, Olivia is regarded not just as a talented athlete, but also as a supportive teammate and role model for younger players. Her involvement with volleyball extends to mentoring friends and younger athletes, as she shares her experiences and the lessons she has learned throughout her journey. She emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and teamwork, demonstrating that success on the court stems from collective efforts, not just individual skill.

Olivia’s dedication does not go unnoticed by her coaches, teammates, and family, who consistently support her aspirations and efforts. Her parents have encouraged her journey in sports while ensuring she remains focused on her education, creating the foundation for a well-rounded life.

Conclusion

As Olivia Thies continues on her path in volleyball, the future looks bright for this young athlete. With strong commitments in both her athletic and academic pursuits, Olivia embodies the traits of a dedicated and passionate player. Her ability to balance multiple aspects of her life sets an excellent example for aspiring athletes.

Whether battling it out on the court or mastering the challenges of the sand, Olivia’s journey serves as a beacon of what can be achieved through resilience, hard work, and teamwork. As she aims for collegiate volleyball opportunities, her story inspires not only those around her in Lincoln but also the next generation of young athletes aspiring to leave their mark in the world of sports. It’s clear that Olivia Thies is just getting started, and we can expect great things from her in the future.