Cross Country/Track Q&A: Olivia Miller

Olivia Miller is an athlete who not only runs for Pepperdine but learned to hurdle mental health issues and stigmas. The senior cross country and track runner is leading the charge for the advocacy of mental health awareness for student-athletes. Not only does she strive to lead her team on the course, but also leads her team in guidance when it comes to dealing with mental health, as she is a member of the non-profit organization The Hidden Component. In this interview, Olivia touches on what her experience as a Wave has been like, how she prepares herself mentally as an athlete, and shares wisdom from personal experience to younger athletes:

Q: How would you describe your career thus far at Pepperdine?

A: Crazy. A lot of people who started school at Pepperdine in 2019, we have gone through so much change. Being sent home in the middle of freshman year, training my sophomore year without any competitions, getting a new coach in between sophomore and junior year, and doing school and life all at the same time is a lot -- but it has been so worth it. I feel like I have been able to have a career of good race times, solid training and involvement in the Pepperdine athletics community. We'll see what's in store over my last few months.

Q: We hosted our first cross country meet in Alumni Park since 2017 a few weeks ago and your team won the race. What was it like running on campus and having Pepperdine fans and fellow students out there supporting you?

A: Having a meet at home was so much fun! It was so nice to have alumni, friends and parents come watch us and support the Waves. There was also a swim meet and soccer match on Pepperdine's campus the same day so it really felt like one big community. I loved getting to race at home and seeing all my friends on race day. Sweet moments.

Q: Mentally, how do you prepare for each race? Even as an experienced runner, do you still feel a lot of stress prior to races? How do you deal with it?

A: I feel like I always talk it out. I like to have a plan going in. I talk to my coaches, my dad, or my teammates and try to visualize what it will be like to start the race. I also am a big meditator. Before every race I put on a quick mindfulness video just to help me calm down and refocus. I always feel stressed before a race, even four years in. We all wake up so early every day and spend so much time trying to improve. I think it's normal to feel stressed about wanting to perform well. I also see a sports therapist every other week and she helps talk me through the races and some of my stresses -- I think everyone should go to counseling, it's so necessary. Allowing the stress to reach a healthy level is important to me and I always try to work toward that.

Q: You have done a lot of work in helping others with their mental health, why are you so passionate about it?

A: The biggest reason I got involved with helping others with their mental health is because I know what it's like to be on the other side. During my sophomore year I found myself in a really dark place and ended up not even competing on Pepperdine's track team for that season. I realized at that moment that I never wanted anybody else to feel like they didn't have a friend or know about their resources. That's when I joined The Hidden Opponent, a national non-profit focused on decreasing the mental health stigma within the NCAA. I immediately saw so many student-athletes who felt the same way that I had, and I knew that I wanted to help be a part of the change. Pepperdine Athletics has been so great at allowing me to program events, speak to different athletes, and remain supportive the entire time -- and for that I am so thankful. I hope after I leave next year that there is a foundation of awareness and resources that will create an environment where no student-athlete ever feels alone.

Q: During your entire career at Pepperdine thus far, what is your favorite memory and why?

A: One of my favorite memories at Pepperdine was going to Mammoth this year for preseason camp. We traveled as a team and got to run on some of the most beautiful trails. It allowed us to get to know each other and have fun. I loved being able to spend time with my teammates before school started and also get in some good training.

Q: How would you describe the team culture built around Pepperdine cross country?

A: The team culture is definitely one of support and commitment. We all love to run, and we love to run with each other! We are friends with each other and there for each other during the good and bad days. Something I love about Pepperdine cross country is how different each person is in their interests, their majors, and so many other things. It makes it so fun to train together and be a part of each other's lives.

Q: What are your goals for the rest of the season?

A: For the rest of cross country season, I hope to be a good leader and friend to my teammates, race well, and have fun. It is so crazy right now trying to excel in the classroom, on the track, and in all other areas and I just want to soak it all in and enjoy my last few months competing for the Waves. I hope to stay healthy and race fast alongside my teammates. I also hope to start to gear up for track season in the spring, which is always my favorite.

Q: Who is someone that inspires you?

A: My coach, Lauren Floris, definitely inspires me. Before she came to Pepperdine my junior year, I didn't have the best relationship with collegiate running. I felt stressed, intense pressure, and honestly I didn't really enjoy running. When Coach Lauren came, she just showed such grace and balance and it served as a way for me to find myself again in sports. She is a mom, still races, a good listener, and a good coach. I am constantly inspired by how she balances everything and love that I have such a great example in my life.

Q: Being an experienced and accomplished senior runner, what is the biggest piece of advice you give or would give to a younger runner who may be starting his or her running career here at Pepperdine?

A: To all the freshmen, college cross country -- or any sport -- is going to give you some of the highest highs, like traveling, life-long friends, a sense of accomplishment and leadership, but also some of the lowest lows -- and you aren't alone. Some days it will feel hard to get up at 6 a.m. and make it impossible to line up on the track, and that's okay. We all fight our own battles, but we are never isolated. There are so many people that love and care about you no matter how fast you run (or swing, or swim, or shoot). Running at Pepperdine hasn't always been easy but it's definitely worth it.

Q: As a senior, what is next for you in life after Pepperdine?

A: I just took the LSAT, and am applying to law schools right now. I want to go to school on the East Coast to be closer to family, so hopefully a big move in the future.

Players Mentioned

Olivia Miller

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