On Wednesday, May 19, 2021, Olivia Portner was recognized for signing a letter of intent to row at Michigan State University.
Olivia Portner – Michigan State University (Rowing)
Major: Environmental Engineering
Final list of colleges: Michigan State, George Washington, Syracuse
Reasons for choosing Michigan State: “I was always really looking for a big school, and I knew I had this unique opportunity to row. I played soccer my whole life, so I thought this would be something new and exciting. The coach is really awesome, the school is so beautiful, and they have so much to offer for my major, so when the time came, I knew it was where I wanted to go.”
What was the progression that led you to compete in rowing at the collegiate level? “I was pretty committed to the idea of playing soccer in college, but junior year I faced a pretty bad concussion, so I was out basically my whole junior year with COVID and the injury. November of senior year, the (Michigan State) coach reached out to me and saw I was tall and had the right build and was athletic and coachable. We just started talking, and the process went on. I’ve never rowed before. I played soccer, but it’s my build. I think it’s pretty common for a lot of rowers.”
CB East soccer coach Jake Nesteruk says: “Olivia was your perfect student-athlete in terms of classroom performance and on the field as well. She served as a captain for us her senior year and just lived and breathed the program. I’m super excited to see her move forward in a new sport. I can’t thank her enough for the effort and time she put into girls’ soccer and can’t wait to see what she achieves in the water.”
About Olivia:
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite TV show: Rick & Morty
Favorite music: Pop
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