John Maxwell was once quoted as saying “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
This week’s Field Hockey Player of the Week is somebody who has been living that quote this season for Akron Field Hockey.
A four year Varsity player, Olivia Diebel is one of two Seniors on the youngest team in Section VI; a Varsity roster that consists of four 8th graders and four freshman.
With so many young players looking for guidance, Diebel has emerged as a rock for them to lean on.
“It’s a lot to take in at first,” Diebel said. “But just thinking about how far they’ll come and you’re a big factor in helping them get there just really helps you slow down and remember they don’t know everything.”
Last year Olivia emerged as one of the best defensive players in Section VI; earning recognition as a First Team Niagara-Orleans All-League Selection and First Team All-WNY Selection.
Her level of confidence gives the team a belief that, despite their youth and inexperience, they can win every game they play. At the same time, she carries herself with a humbleness that invites her teammates to ask for help when needed.
She was key in Akron’s upset victory over Barker earlier this year; a game in which Akron was forced to defend 20 corners but was still able to pull out a 2-1 win.
“She’s special,” Akron coach Mary Borden said with a smile. “She’s special to watch. She’s special to coach and she is a special kind of leader. What I have really come to admire about Olivia is her tenacity. She goes full speed ahead for the full 60 minutes.”
This tenacity is one of the reasons that Division II Seton Hill recruited Olivia – the program whom she recently verbally committed to.
“She is one of the most beautiful, humble young ladies that I have ever coached,” said Borden.
On behalf of the staff over at WNY Athletics, we’d like to congratulate Olivia on being selected this week’s Field Hockey Player of the Week!
