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Introducing “Get To Know “, a feature created to showcase and spotlight student-athletes from all over Idaho. You might think you know them because you see their names in the news but we dig deeper to find who they are away from the court, field, pitch, court, track and course.
Our very first “Get To Know” features Olivia “Liv” Arave. She is a born and bred Blackfoot Bronco who excels in basketball and volleyball. When she isn’t in the gym you can find her cruising the streets of Blackfoot in The Dark Knight looking for the best place to eat wings or watching One Tree Hill.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born in Blackfoot and I’ve been here ever since. My parents are Jared and Katie Arave and I’m the oldest of six kids, 4 girls and 2 boys. I have played basketball and volleyball ever since I can remember. I also started doing track last year, which was a fun, new experience. I used to dance and do a little rodeo when I was younger too. Besides playing sports, I enjoy being outside, hanging out with friends and family, and watching movies. I also have secret talents of buttering popcorn and comparing people to cartoon characters.
Do you have a nickname? If so, how did you get it?
I have a few nicknames, but most people usually just call me Liv. It’s because Olivia is a lot longer to say than Liv.
What is your favorite sport to watch? Participate in?
Basketball, for sure. I love to watch it, play it, really anything to do with basketball I love.
As a student-athlete, which is harder - being a student or being an athlete? Why?
Definitely being a student because I enjoy playing sports, but being a student is more of a job.
What is the best thing you have learned from playing sports in high school?
I think the best thing I’ve learned from sports is to never give up. Blackfoot has always been the underdogs. But with my teammates and my hard work and determined mindsets, we have been able to change the program completely around. If we would have just given up then we would have never gotten to where we are today.
Favorite high school memory, so far?
We always go to a cabin to begin our basketball season. Last year the varsity girls weren't ready to go to sleep when every one else did. We had an amazing idea to prank our JV team by gathering all their bags and tying all their clothes together. We strung it through the whole cabin for them to see the next morning with a note saying, “We thought you guys were kinda stinky yesterday. So we hung your clothes up to air out! - Love Varsity”. They were very mad at first, but we all laughed about it later!
Who is your favorite teacher? Why?
My favorite teacher is probably Mr. Lish. He’s our student council adviser and he lets us do a lot of fun things. I think he also really cares about all of his students.
What kind of car gets you around town?
The Dark Knight (aka a 2000 black Lexus)
Cat person or dog person?
Dog, but I have a lot more cats which is weird.
Favorite food?
It’s definitely between my mom’s rolo cookies and chicken wings. It’s too hard to really choose a favorite when I really love all foods!
You have an entire weekend with no plans. What do you do?
Probably catch up on sleep and One Tree Hill.
If you could meet anyone, living or dead, who would you meet?
I would want to meet my Great Grandpa Opa. He and his family sacrificed a lot when they came to America from Germany. He died when my grandma was 16 and I would really like to meet him to get to know him and his experience.
What is something most people do not know about you?
I ate a goldfish when I was 3 years old. Well that’s what my mom assumes because they could never find the fish and I was the only one there.
What celebrity would play you if they made a movie about your life?
Jennifer Lawrence because I’m pretty sure her love of food matches mine.
What was the last song you listened to?
Believer by Imagine Dragons
Any thoughts on where you want to go to college?
Right now I have a few in mind, but I’m really trying to play college basketball right now.
When you "grow up" what is your idea of the perfect job?
My idea of a perfect job is one where I can get good hours and enjoy what I’m doing.
What is the best advice you have ever received and from who?
My dad gives me good advice all the time, but the best advice he has given to me was for basketball. He’s told me to always try and make others better. Once you do that you’ll make yourself better. It’s a simple concept, but it’s helped me in almost everything I’ve done in my life.
100 years from now, when your name is mentioned, how do you want to be remembered?
I hope I am remembered as someone who was hard working, kind and enjoyed every moment of my life.
Shout out:
I would like to give a huge thanks to everyone who has supported me this far! I would like to say thanks to my amazing teammates for always having my back. I also want to thank my coach Courtnie Smith for always seeing my potential and believing in me. Finally, I want to give a special thanks to my parents. You guys have supported me through all my crazy ideas and have guided through everything I’ve done. I know I would never have been able to do anything without either of you.
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