The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Meet the Blazers: Olivia Valbak
2/1/2021 10:15:00 AM | Softball
BIRMINGHAM – Softball season is almost here! There is so much to be excited about in Birmingham as the UAB softball team opens its schedule up on Feb. 12 in Troy, Ala. The team welcomes nine newcomers to the roster for the 2021 season. UABSports.com will introduce you to these new Blazers and provide unique opportunities to get to know them.
Today's 'Meet the Blazers' profile features a freshman pitcher/infielder, Olivia Valbak.
Quick Facts:
Number: 21
Position: Pitcher/Infield
Height: 5-11
Hometown: Ashburn, Va.
High School: Stone Bridge
What is your favorite thing about Ashburn?
OV: "My favorite thing about my hometown are the people who live there. I have always been really close with my family and I have also created some of the best friendships with people who I know will be in my life forever."
What has been your favorite part of Birmingham so far?
OV: "My favorite part of Birmingham has been all of the new people that I have met and also all of the new restaurants I have been able to try!"
When did you start playing softball and why?
OV: "I started playing softball when I was five years old. We had just moved from Michigan to Virginia, and my next-door neighbor, Emily, signed up to play for a house team, so I decided to play with her."
What is your favorite softball memory?
OV: "My favorite softball memory was winning Virginia 5A States and the State Player of the Year. It was an amazing experience with my team."
Did you play any other sports growing up?
OV: "I played basketball growing up."
Why do you wear the number 21?
OV: "I decided to choose the number 21 because it represented the first college season I would have the opportunity to play in (2021)."
Why did you choose UAB?
OV: "I choose UAB because of the inclusive culture that the coaches have created here. UAB not only has a great softball program, but it also allows me to pursue a career in the medical field."
Do you have any siblings? If so, what are their names and how old are they?
OV: "I have a younger brother named Chandler who is 15."
Who is your biggest inspiration?
OV: "One of my inspirations is Tony Adkins, who is a pediatric neurosurgeon. The way he treats his patients is what pushed me over the edge into wanting to work as a pediatric oncologist."
Do you remember what you wanted to be when you grew up?
OV: "I have always wanted to be a doctor when I grew up."
What do you want to be now?
OV: "My goal is to be a pediatric oncologist and help make a difference in children's lives."
What are you majoring in?
OV: "I am majoring in cancer biology and plan on attending medical school after I earn my bachelor's degree."
Do you have a favorite quote?
OV: "Be someone who makes someone else look forward to tomorrow."
What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?
OV: "My favorite show to binge watch is Friends."
What do you like to do in your free time?
OV: "In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends. Sitting by a fire and roasting smores are some of my favorite ways to spend a night off."
If you could have any actress play you in a movie about your life who would it be?
OV: "Charlize Theron."
What is your favorite meal/food?
OV: "My favorite meal is my mom's homemade spaghetti for dinner and carrot cake for dessert."
If you could live anywhere in the world where would you live?
OV: "I would live on the lake in Michigan. I absolutely love spending time at the lake and could see myself living there in the future."
What is your favorite book?
OV: "The Longest Ride."
What are you looking forward to most in your first softball season at UAB?
OV: "I am looking forward to becoming the best athlete and person I can be. I know that this program will help shape me into the best version of myself on and off the field."
Softball season tickets are on sale by purchasing the 2020-21 Gold Card here for $65. The Gold Card is an exclusive offer that grants you admission into all UAB men's and women's soccer, volleyball, women's basketball, baseball and softball events for the upcoming academic year. Contact the UAB Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 for more details.
For more information on the UAB softball team, follow @UAB_SB on Twitter and Instagram.
Today's 'Meet the Blazers' profile features a freshman pitcher/infielder, Olivia Valbak.
Quick Facts:
Number: 21
Position: Pitcher/Infield
Height: 5-11
Hometown: Ashburn, Va.
High School: Stone Bridge
What is your favorite thing about Ashburn?
OV: "My favorite thing about my hometown are the people who live there. I have always been really close with my family and I have also created some of the best friendships with people who I know will be in my life forever."
What has been your favorite part of Birmingham so far?
OV: "My favorite part of Birmingham has been all of the new people that I have met and also all of the new restaurants I have been able to try!"
When did you start playing softball and why?
OV: "I started playing softball when I was five years old. We had just moved from Michigan to Virginia, and my next-door neighbor, Emily, signed up to play for a house team, so I decided to play with her."
What is your favorite softball memory?
OV: "My favorite softball memory was winning Virginia 5A States and the State Player of the Year. It was an amazing experience with my team."
Did you play any other sports growing up?
OV: "I played basketball growing up."
Why do you wear the number 21?
OV: "I decided to choose the number 21 because it represented the first college season I would have the opportunity to play in (2021)."
Why did you choose UAB?
OV: "I choose UAB because of the inclusive culture that the coaches have created here. UAB not only has a great softball program, but it also allows me to pursue a career in the medical field."
Do you have any siblings? If so, what are their names and how old are they?
OV: "I have a younger brother named Chandler who is 15."
Who is your biggest inspiration?
OV: "One of my inspirations is Tony Adkins, who is a pediatric neurosurgeon. The way he treats his patients is what pushed me over the edge into wanting to work as a pediatric oncologist."
Do you remember what you wanted to be when you grew up?
OV: "I have always wanted to be a doctor when I grew up."
What do you want to be now?
OV: "My goal is to be a pediatric oncologist and help make a difference in children's lives."
What are you majoring in?
OV: "I am majoring in cancer biology and plan on attending medical school after I earn my bachelor's degree."
Do you have a favorite quote?
OV: "Be someone who makes someone else look forward to tomorrow."
What is your favorite TV show to binge watch?
OV: "My favorite show to binge watch is Friends."
What do you like to do in your free time?
OV: "In my free time, I love spending time with my family and friends. Sitting by a fire and roasting smores are some of my favorite ways to spend a night off."
If you could have any actress play you in a movie about your life who would it be?
OV: "Charlize Theron."
What is your favorite meal/food?
OV: "My favorite meal is my mom's homemade spaghetti for dinner and carrot cake for dessert."
If you could live anywhere in the world where would you live?
OV: "I would live on the lake in Michigan. I absolutely love spending time at the lake and could see myself living there in the future."
What is your favorite book?
OV: "The Longest Ride."
What are you looking forward to most in your first softball season at UAB?
OV: "I am looking forward to becoming the best athlete and person I can be. I know that this program will help shape me into the best version of myself on and off the field."
Softball season tickets are on sale by purchasing the 2020-21 Gold Card here for $65. The Gold Card is an exclusive offer that grants you admission into all UAB men's and women's soccer, volleyball, women's basketball, baseball and softball events for the upcoming academic year. Contact the UAB Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1 for more details.
For more information on the UAB softball team, follow @UAB_SB on Twitter and Instagram.
Players Mentioned
RHP/INF
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