Get to Know a Grad – Olivia Azzollini

A recent addition to the club, Olivia Azzollini quickly bonded with her teammates to finish out the final couple years of her club career with the Spokane Sounders and is headed further west to Pacific in the fall for college.

One of those teammates was a reunion with Rebekah Hines, a fellow north Idaho player.

“We played soccer together when we were little for about five years, and then again this year and last.”

Experiencing challenges that led to growth and improvement was a theme through much of Olivia’s recollection of her brief time as a Spokane Sounder, noting that the new level of opposition was eye opening and saying the most important learning moment was “the reality of the fast pace and athleticism of our opponents from across the country will have.”

She continued in discussing key lessons learned from coaches included “how to play against an opponent who is stronger, faster and better than you. How to play quicker and to play each position better. Preparing us for college with all the little things we need to have down.”

And that growth led to one of her favorite moments, an improved result nationally in a rematch.

“The second time playing Florida United, and our team played so well – it was way more fun than getting destroyed by them, even though we still ended up losing.”

That second meeting last December in Florida was part of larger favorite memory that echoed many of her teammates.

“Oceanside was one of my favorites because it was so warm, and we got to explore and go to the beach a few times – the tans that we got were super funny. Florida was the best because we had houses that we stayed in together and would watch movies together every night. We all laid by the pool anytime we weren’t playing because we wanted to get tan so bad.

A lot of team bonding tends to occur on road trips, but hailing from across the border multiplied that experience for Olivia.

“Riding in the vans together the whole trips was super fun. We also had a carpool group of the girls from Coeur d’Alene and Liberty Lake. Each girl would take turns during the week driving – this made the drive to practice so fun.”

Olivia has found a lot of success on both sides of the border. In addition to helping lead her club squad to the GA Pacific Division title she was a member of the Lake City Timberwolves. The T-Wolves won the Idaho State Championship her junior year and were semifinalists the following campaign. Olivia was an All-League selection after previously earning Team MVP honors her freshman and sophomore seasons.

In the fall she will add Oregon to her new soccer home, joining the Pacific Boxers in Forest Grove (near Portland).

“I will be playing soccer there, they have a really good sports communication and journalism program that I am excited for, and the community and overall vibe is comforting and welcoming.”

With a trip to the west side in order for college, one of the things Olivia will most the most from her club days is “my teammates and how we are all so close, and also how we play together.”

And her mother, for whom she was very thankful of. “She has supported me throughout everything. She is my best friend and there is absolutely no way I would be here without her. She inspires me so much and I am so thankful for her to be my mom and number one supporter.”

Quick Hits

Advice for young players:

Put the work in and it will pay off.

Advice for older players:

Keep going even if it gets hard. Enjoy all the time with your teammates.

Favorite player:

Carli Lloyd – she will always be my favorite soccer player. Her work ethic and dedication was so present on and off the field. She was incredible to watch especially when she would take on players and score amazing goals. Obviously my favorite goal from her was the shot from half in the World Cup final vs Japan. (And the two other goals that game for her hat trick)

Favorite teams:

USA WNT, OL Reign, North Carolina Courage!!

Parent POV – Krysta Azzollini

Another early entrant to the beautiful game, Olivia first started kicking the ball around at age three – and “she loved playing goalie” her mom said. So, they enrolled her to see if she would like it and so began 15 years of growth and memories.

“We have so many fun memories with all the teams she has played for that it is hard to narrow those down. We were in Boise for the State Cup and I remember how she was both speechless and ecstatic when Kevin Moon called to let us know she made the GA team. This was a huge moment for her,” she said, adding “She was the only non-Sounders player [added] that year! Playing at a higher competitive level has been very rewarding for her.

“My favorite memory would be when she and her high school team won the State Championship in Idaho her junior year. Her confidence exploded that year, and I was so happy that I was able to be there and watch that huge milestone in her soccer career.

“It has been fun to watch her love for the game to continue to grow every year. She used to be a bit shy and timid and once she gained confidence, her game grew immensely. Fun to watch her hip bump and get a little aggressive.

“Olivia has become a very outgoing young lady. Soccer has led to her being a leader on and off the field. She was a very shy little girl and I believe the game of soccer helped her blossom.”

And although a college career lies ahead, it does not mean Olivia’s mother won’t miss anything from her club soccer days.

“I will miss the chaotic schedules, long car rides and the highs and lows after the game. The endless washing of uniforms and smelly soccer bags. I will miss the happy tears and frustrated tears and the hugs after a tough loss. I will actually miss saying, “I am sorry, we have soccer.” I will miss seeing the other families every weekend. I will miss watching the joy and determination which comes with her playing the game she loves so much.

“Luckily, she will play in college so I will still have some moments ahead…

“Olivia is an amazing young adult and a great soccer player. I am so happy she will pursue a career possibly still in the soccer world.”

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