Student-Athlete Spotlight - Mariyah Oliver

This week, we are highlighting an exceptional student-athlete nominated by the coach. Mariyah Oliver is an outside hitter for the Hartnell Women's Volleyball Team. She currently leads the team with an overall of 170 kills. That is an average 2.66 kills per set! Mariyah also leads with an overall of 235 digs, which is an average of 3.67 per set. She is currently ranked 4th in the Coast Conference North and holds a high percentage of rankings for kills and blocks. Mariyah is focusing on general education and requirements to transfer. She is interested in pursuing a degree criminal justice. Originally from Kauai, Hawaii, Mariyah decided to pursue a career at Hartnell College and play volleyball for the Lady Panthers because she did not have an opportunity to pursue volleyball at the collegiate level back in her hometown. Towards the end of her first year at Hartnell, Mariyah had a setback in volleyball; she tore her ACL, medial meniscus and lateral meniscus. She had several surgeries during her second year. Fortunately, she has completely restored her health and is able to enjoy playing for our team once again. When asked how she manages to be a successful student as well as an outstanding athlete, she replied, "It took me about two years, but it came down to prioritizing being a student before being an athlete." That strategy seems to have worked well for Mariyah. Keep up the great work!