Olivia Poulivaati joins the Tip Off Podcast Ahead of a Wolf Pack Season Full of Promise
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Olivia Poulivaati joins the Tip-Off Podcast ahead of the 2026 season, reflecting on her remarkable return from a third ACL tear and her decision to stay with the Nevada women's basketball team despite a coaching change. She shares the emotional weight of her injury, the mental struggle of considering retirement, and the resilience that brought her back in just nine months. Olivia praises new head coach Kelly Sopak for his balance of discipline, accountability, and personal care, calling him a transformative figure for the program. She highlights the team's strong culture of cohesion, emphasizing that the players who stayed are now the foundation of the team’s identity. Olivia also discusses the bittersweet reality of teammates transferring, expressing heartfelt support while maintaining meaningful connections with former teammates. Her message to younger athletes centers on relentless work ethic, strength training, and building relationships within the team.
Resilience after injury is a superpower—Olivia returned from a third ACL tear in just nine months.
Coaching changes don’t have to break team culture; staying players can become the foundation of a new era.
Accountability and ball movement are key areas for improvement in the upcoming season.
Strong team culture is built on trust, shared experience, and emotional investment.
Leadership means showing up consistently—both on the court and off.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Welcome & Introduction to Olivia Poulivaati
“I remember her being out for so long because of her accident injury so I just love seeing strong perseverance on and off the court.”
Recovery & Return from ACL Injury
“There was a point in time where I was like really debating on if I did want to come back just because like... This injury is a lot.”
New Head Coach Kelly Sopak & Team Culture
“He wants us to enjoy our experience. He wants us to enjoy our time as college students.”
Staying vs. Transferring: Loyalty & Team Identity
Olivia explains why she chose to stay at Nevada despite the coaching change, emphasizing loyalty, familiarity, and the new coach’s vision. She reflects on the sadness of teammates leaving.
Advice to Young Athletes & Closing Thoughts
Olivia offers practical advice to aspiring college athletes—focus on skill, strength, and relationships. She expresses excitement for the future and gratitude for her journey.
“There was a point in time where I was like really debating on if I did want to come back just because like... This injury is a lot.”
“We are the culture. Whoever stayed, like we are the culture.”
“He wants us to enjoy our experience. He wants us to enjoy our time as college students.”
Hosts
Guest
Olivia Poulivaati
person
Nevada Women's Basketball
other
Tisha Petitular
person
Kelly Sopak
person
Janessa Oreci
person
Dylan Walker
person
Rakaia
person
Rekia
person
Daimo
person
Kiki
person
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