"One Last Roar" is a series that will recognize the accomplishments of the senior student-athletes at Mount Holyoke College graduating during the 2020-21 academic year. From now until May, read about our senior student-athletes as they reflect on their careers as members of Lyons Nation. Make sure to check out Mount Holyoke College Athletics on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to see photos of their top memories with their teammates over the past four years.

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Olivia Wrobleski (Fall River, Mass.), an Art History and Ancient Studies double major and cross country and track and field student-athlete at Mount Holyoke College, will graduate at the completion of the Spring 2021 semester.

As a four-year member of the Mount Holyoke cross country and track and field programs, Wrobleski earned several top-15 finishes including 13^th in the 400 meter hurdles and 15^th in the 3000 meter steeplechase at the 2019 NEWMAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships. At the Springfield Pride Classic in 2018, the senior posted a first-place finish in the 400 meter hurdles. Wrobleski served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) as a track and field representative from 2018 to 2019 and then served as the chair of the Community Service subcommittee from 2019 to 2020. 

From Head Mount Holyoke Cross Country and Track and Field Coach, Chris Kibler

"Olivia and I both arrived at Mount Holyoke College in August of 2017. I remember my first on-campus meeting with Olivia, and close friend/teammate, Simone Jacob. We sat in Streeter Lounge and talked about how exciting the next four years were going to be, and that together, we could turn this program into anything we wanted. I believe the transformation speaks for itself, and Olivia has been a major contributor. She is someone who can bring a smile to anyone's face with her energy, enthusiasm, and "floppy" dance moves. Olivia has a great mix of care-free attitude and focus, which has helped shape our culture and the day-to-day experience of all team members. Who we are now, and how we continue to grow will always be a constant reminder of student-athletes like Olivia that paved the way for this program."

More about Olivia…

Overall, share a few sentences about your time as a student-athlete at Mount Holyoke College. How has your experience as a student-athlete help develop you into the person you are today?

Being a student-athlete is hard, but it's also very rewarding. There were many times where I contemplated if I was good enough or if I wanted to continue because there were other things that I wanted to participate in. Every time I did this, however, I came back. Being a student-athlete has taught me a lot about who I am as a person, especially when it comes to participating in a three-season sport. Going in, I didn't know what to expect, but over time it has taught me a lot about perseverance and community; I wanted to better myself both physically and mentally, as well as remain a member of such an amazing group of people who shaped most of my college experience.

What were some of your favorite memories as a member of your team?

The NEWMAC Championships at Smith in 2018 was absolute chaos! It had everything going on that one could think of as less-than-optimal running conditions: freezing temperatures, high wind, rain, sleet, lots of mud, etc. You name it, we had it. While it was comically miserable, it was also really fun to just run for the sake of running and getting through it, rather than overly-stress about times and personal bests. We were running to see which teams were tough, and we definitely were. My team was also inseparable most of the time, so team dinners happened nightly and were full of great stories and laughter. I always really enjoyed getting to know my teammates in and out of practice. They're all such lovely people!

What are your plans following graduation?

I am currently applying to graduate school in hopes of having an Master's Degree in art history. I hope to also continue my studies of visual arts during that time as well. I plan afterwards to join the Peace Corps as an agricultural or environmental volunteer.

Who have been some of your biggest supporters during your time at Mount Holyoke College? This can be anyone (i.e. family, friends, professors, coaches, etc.)

Most of my closest friends have been made through my team, and they have really been my support system. I honestly could not have asked for better friends or imagine my life without them now.

Outside of my friend group, my parents have also been my greatest support system. At least, I called my mom once a week just to talk about what was going on and ask her for advice. My time at Mount Holyoke has definitely had its ups and downs, and I'm really grateful that my parents were always there for me.

Lastly, my coach has always been really supportive, especially when I was struggling with the challenges of being a student-athlete. He was always there to offer me advice and offer help and words of encouragement!

What is your favorite Mount Holyoke tradition?

I've always really loved Convocation, every year my team and I get more and more wild and festive with our outfits. I love the general rambunctiousness of it all, it's a great way to kick off the year.

My backup answer, if I'm allowed, is Mountain Day. Who doesn't want to have a day off from class to go hiking with their friends?

Any words of advice you have for the future student-athletes of Mount Holyoke College?

Be brave and appreciate what you have while you've got it! It's so easy to get caught up in the little things, especially the stress of college, but I don't think it's worth it. 4 years goes by so quickly, which never seems true until time is almost up. Take the opportunity to make the most of your experience at Mount Holyoke—meet new people, take fun classes, go to events, explore the Pioneer Valley, and try new things!

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