Another Lady Warriors varsity volleyball (34-16) player embarked on her journey to higher education Wednesday, November 13, as the NC Athletics Department hosted the signing of senior setter Olivia Boyle (15). Boyle’s last season on the volleyball team ended with a second-place playoff title, and she plans to continue her athletic pursuit by playing beach volleyball at Florida International University (FIU).
Since both of Boyle’s parents coached volleyball throughout her childhood, Olivia and her twin sister, Sarah Boyle, have played since the young age of five. Coming up on their thirteenth year, the sisters decided to switch from playing indoor volleyball to beach volleyball after only one season of the latter.
“I’ve been playing volleyball since I was five, honestly, my whole life, because both of my parents coached. So I’ve been playing indoors on an actual club team since I was five. And then I started beach last year. [Volleyball has] kind of always been there, so I feel like it’s just part of my life” Boyle said.
During her time at NC, Boyle led the Lady Warrior team with her indomitable skill. Reaching a high school career total of 1500 assists, 800 digs and 500 kills, no one could match her exceptional accomplishments. Beginning the year on the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Watch List, the senior co-captain closed out her season as a region and state all-star.
Boyle has progressed through numerous clubs — such as A5, Cobb Atlanta and Southern Select Sand Volleyball (S3), where she plays now — but she chose to pursue sand volleyball due to its exciting aspects. Though she only has played for a summer season, her innate talent shines through in each game.
“I wanted to switch because I played for a short summer season in between two [indoor volleyball seasons] and it’s so much more fun. Sometimes the weather is a pain and the heat aspect of it is hard, but it’s so much more fun. You get to pick your own tournaments that I go to and pick my partner. I get to pick my own team,” Boyle said.
As Boyle began her search for recruiting colleges, the FIU program took her by surprise. The recruiting coach found the volleyball player and her twin sister at a college showcase and came into contact with the Boyles shortly after. In seeing their impressive teamwork and talent, the recruiter arranged the athletes a visit to the campus, where they then presented a scholarship offer.
Due to the school’s familial feel and lovely campus, Boyle could not imagine herself anywhere else. In playing at a Division 1 program, Boyle will undertake new challenges, but she will also continue to reach new heights in her academic and athletic ability. She plans to major in mechanical engineering, which serves as a testament to her aptitude as both a scholar and a volleyball player. The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at FIU will provide Boyle with all the tools for a successful future, and her work ethic will carry her far in the realm of volleyball.
The Chant wishes Boyle prosperity in all she will accomplish in the future and remains proud of all she has done thus far. Go Panthers!
