Livia Ward

Mount St. Mary

By Bryce McKinnis

Even for Mount St. Mary senior volleyball player Livia Ward, a two-time state champion, state tournament MVP and Division I commit, there’s always room for improvement.

“I feel that another state championship is in the works, and I believe that it absolutely can be accomplished,” Ward said. “My teammates and I know that complacency is a killer, so we are always working hard and doing our best, despite being ranked No. 1 in Oklahoma.”

The No. 1 ranked setter in Oklahoma, committed to Washington State University in June.

“Washington State was the right place for me because of the amazing coaching staff, top notch program/facilities, and the perfect college feel. It was also a great place for my intended pre-med major, and it would be able to offer me a quality education. I knew right when I stepped on campus that I could see myself there and that it would be an amazing four years,” Ward said.

Ward admits that the recruiting process was draining at times. Juggling competing relationships and answering constant calls are the unglamorous sides to recruiting that “no one really emphasized” to Ward.

“I had to learn to limit my communication and phone calls with coaches in order to give myself a break from thinking about volleyball in general. I was able to set boundaries for myself and I learned to not overwork myself while I was being recruited,” Ward said. “The recruiting process is a true grind, and I respect anyone who participates in it.”

At the age of 9, Ward began her career thank to her dad playing on OU’s club team.

“Something that drew me to volleyball was the competitiveness and the speed of the sport. Volleyball is a game of ultimate focus and IQ, and I liked how it challenged me mentally and physically,” said Ward.

Ward also competes in weightlifting and beach volleyball, is a member of National Honor Society and participates in Mu Alpha Theta. She is also a talented artist having won several competitions with her AP Art projects and scored a 31 on her ACT.

“Academics are super important, even for high-achieving athletes, because it is important to think about your future after your athletic career,” Ward said. “It also ensures that you can be recruited by any school, as some colleges such as the Ivy League and high-academic schools will not recruit athletes that have below a certain GPA. Maintaining good academics provides the structure and drive that is needed to be successful in athletics, and that is why I have always placed a value on my education.”