HONOLULU – HONOLULU – University of Hawai'i middle blocker Olivia Magill participated in a live chat, Thursday, September 18 at 1:30 p.m. (HST), on UH's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/HawaiiAthletics.

Below is the transcript of the live chat.

Q: Thanks for choosing to play in Hawaii. Hope you don't miss your family too much and hope you like the "local" people. Say hello to the "Aunties" for the rest of us.
OM: I'll give them your best!
   
Q: You are a great example of a humble but dedicated athlete that I have ever seen. Please don't change! I admire people who plays with heart & soul. Much kudos to you Olivia!
OM: Such kind words! Thank you so much.

Q: What other schools did you look at when you considered transferring?
OM: I actually just really wanted to come to Hawai'i!

Q: Favorite local grindz???...Thanks for all you do!
OM: I like kalua pork (pig).

Q: Which Pokemon is your favorite and why is it Bulbasaur? Also you are stuck on a deserted island and can only have one video game... do you pick Pokemon, Mario Kart, or Smash Bros?
OM: Shaun you know my favorite Pokémon is not Bulbasaur. It's Dragonite. I would pick Pokémon for sure!

Q: Would like to see you do a pipe from the back row Olivia. With your leaping abilities; Higgins' could probably set a high one for you; (between the back row line and the net) and the result would be an awesome non-returnable slam for that point.
OM:Thank you! I used to get set in the back row all the time in high school and club.

Q: What made you decide to come to Hawaii? and What are your favorite foods?
OM: I wanted to come to play for a successful program with great coaches!. My favorite food? Desserts!

Q: Why doesn't Dave let you hit from the back row ????
OM: Right now I'm a front row player but I'm working on my defense and serving so I may get the chance to hit from the back row later.

Q: Mahalo for coming to our island! My question is: how do you like the Hawaii fans?
OM: Hawaii fans have been really welcoming and nice! It's flattering to hear people tell me they're glad I transferred here.

Q: First I would like to thank you for transferring here and to play ball for the wahines. you are a great addition to the team and such a pleasure to watch. now that you have been here and settled in, has the reality of playing for the wahines lived up to your expectations? what about the environment of the stan sheriff?
OM: The environment is great at the SSC. I love the crowd. I assumed there would be high expectations and pressures when playing for the Rainbow Wahine but I love the challenge.

Q: Love watching the Bows live Olivia. Need to see plenty of quick sets to her as she flies!! Amazing player! Bows need to be lighter on their feet and move on the court to get the best advantage. Love Rainbow Wahine Volleyball!!
OM: Thanks so much!

Q: Olivia Magill... please answer my question: What is your favorite band and song!!!? <3333 love="" you="">
OM: Oh hello there Kendra Noël Koelsch. Favorite band is Led Zeppelin and song is Over the Hills and Far Away


Q: Thank you for coming to Hawaii to play for UH! You rock!!! Enjoy here in paradise and smile and have fun playing volleyball!!!
OM: Thank you!
    
Q: I'm a middle blocker at my high school, what are some tips to being successful? How tall are you? And how does it feel to be playing at university of Hawaii?
OM: Being mentally tough is really important but for being a MB, talking at the net is important. I'm 6-1 and it has been such an amazing experience so far and volleyball player's dream come true. You don't always get this kind of support from the community!

Q: Thank you for coming to Hawaii
OM: You're welcome! I really like it here.

Q: Obviously 6-3 is a solid winning record for the start of the season, but some say that this team is a bit young, inexperienced, and has had some difficulty in the out of conference games. What is the greatest thing currently you and the team are working on to further your successes in conference and the post season?
OM: We're really just trying to improve our volleyball IQ. improving our sets, reading the defense, moving our feet before the play happens.


Q: Are you also gonna be on the sand volleyball roster in the spring?
OM: I'm concentrating on our volleyball season and haven't really thought about the sand volleyball season.

Q: I'm in the East Coast and always and always sleep around 4 AM when there is a game. Olivia, what adjustment you made since you're from cold place to tropical place like Hawaii? What made you move in to Rainbow Wahine? How would you like Hawaii?
OM: Thanks for your support. My daily attire has changed from sweatpants to shorts. I love Hawaii!

Q: How do like playing for the rainbow waihine & coach Shoji?
OM: I really love playing for Dave. I'm really happy I came and I like my teammates.

Q: I'm hearing that y'all might discontinue the football program please tell me that ain't true
OM: I hope that never happens. The support seems strong for the Rainbow Warrior Football team.

Q: What do you think helped you get to this level of competition? What would be your advice for the next generation of volleyball players?
OM: My club coach really pushed me in high school and I just had a lot of self motivation to become a better player. My advice is to develop a strong mental toughness because without that it's a lot harder to be consistent in your play.

Q: How do you handle your studies when you guys travel so much?
OM: We haven't traveled yet this season but at Arizona, I'd try to get my school work done before the road trips.

Q: Besides Hawaii and Arizona, what other schools offered you scholarships?
OM: I'd rather not mention specific schools but I did receive offers from other Pac-12 schools.

Q: What is your best moment as a rainbow wahine? Why?
OM:The first match when my name was announced in the arena at out first match was a pretty awesome moment.

Q: Are we going to see a Magill Slide Kill this year?
OM: hmmm maybe.

Q: Do you plan on playing pro after you graduate
OM: If the opportunity presents itself...definitely!

Q: You are amazing. Welcome to wahine! Do you have a favorite beach?
OM: I usually go to Waikiki to go to the beach but the North Shore is really beautiful.

Q: How tall are u? I like how you play...better if you give more power to your shots...
OM: I'm 6-1. Power is not always better...being a smart hitter is better. I'll take the shots the defense gives me.

Q: What made you choose Hawaii over staying in Arizona, did Jane have any influence in your decision?
OM: I really wanted to come Hawaii because the coaching is great here and the team had a lot to offer.

Q: Aloha Olivia... Your a BEAST at that middle position... Thanks for coming to Hawaii to play Vball...
OM: Thank you!

Q: How do you feel the season is progressing? What are the keys to taking the conference?
OM: I think we've improved so far and keep getting better. The keys to taking the conference is to stay focused, execute our game plan and not take any team lightly.

Q: How are you going to get fired up to get that next win?
OM: Hey when I step on the court I'm always ready to play!

Q: How old are you? What College course you taking? Good luck, the best to you at your games and to your life. Aloha
OM: Thank you. I'm 20 majoring in Communications.

Q: Have you been adventurous and tried any local delicacies (i.e. poi, poke)? What's your favorite local food/plate lunch?
OM: I've been to Hawaii and tried poi and kalua pork but I really like purple sweet potatoes and shaved ice.

Q: What do you prefer to do more hitting or tipping? Why?
OM: I like hitting a lot more but sometimes tips get kills...my read on the defense will dictate what I'll do.

Q: What are your pre-game rituals? If any?
OM: Listening to music and just try and stay calm an not focus on volleyball..too much.

Q: What type of music you listen to before a match? and good luck for the rest of the season
OM: I listen to Lana Del Rey and maybe some rap. It all depends on my mood.

Q: Are you now getting use to see a lot of fans watching and cheering for you and the team?
OM: Definitely. I'm not as nervous out there anymore and the support is great!

Q: Just sending some aloha from DA mainland. Go bows !!!!
OM: Thanks for you support from the Mainland.

Q: What high school did you attend?
OM: Seattle Preparatory School!    
    
I apologize if I didn't answer your question but I need to get ready for practice. I really appreciate the support I've gotten. It really means a lot to me. Thank you for joining me today and hope to see all of you at the Stan Sheriff Center! - Olivia