Soul of 78: Alex Oliver
Division II Volleyball Player, University of West Florida
Words by Elizabeth Williams | Images by Ryan McGill
In a world where playground games faded into distant memories for most, Alex Oliver's love for volleyball endured. Her journey with the sport began in fifth grade, playing for Jasper Parks and Recreation (JPR). Now, fast forward nine years, and Alex's love for volleyball remains as strong as ever, as she proudly wears the jersey of the University of West Florida.
"Volleyball is my escape from everything else. It is something I love doing and look forward to every day," she says.
Sports have taught Alex many essential life lessons, such as perseverance, commitment, and hard work. Her high school memories are filled with winning games, tournaments, and, most importantly, state titles. In 2017, the Jasper High School volleyball team was the AHSAA Class 6A State Runner-Up. While most would settle for runner-up, Alex and her teammates did not. The following year, the Lady Vikings came out on top, winning the AHSAA Class 5A State Title. They followed up in 2019 with back-to-back State Championships, easily becoming one of Alex's favorite memories.
While Alex was a multi-sport athlete in high school, participating in volleyball, basketball, and track and field, her heart was always most strongly in volleyball, and she knew she wanted to continue playing at the next level. In 2021, her dream came true: she obtained a spot on the University of West Florida (UWF) volleyball team.
Since being at UWF, Alex and her team have had several huge accomplishments for the program. During her first year, UWF hosted Regionals for the first time. The gym was packed full of fans when the ladies competed for the regional title, creating an unforgettable moment for Alex. The team has continued to excel, winning the Gulf South Conference Championship in 2022.
"I could not have asked for better teammates. They have definitely made my experience the best it could be." Although Jasper is her home, her UWF team is her family.
Alex's success on and off the court could not have been possible without the encouragement of her family. Alex has always looked to her mom, Merideth, as the perfect example of a strong woman; her mom even coached her first team at JPR. Distance does not restrict her family's support. Alex's grandparents attend all her games, no matter how far they may be.
Throughout her journey, from playing JPR volleyball as a fifth grader to becoming a valued player for UWF, Alex Oliver's unwavering passion for the sport has shaped her character and provided her with cherished memories, invaluable life lessons, and an unbreakable bond with her teammates and family. 78