By: Dave Collins, Eagle Radio Chadron Sports Director
Let's meet a second newcomer to the Chadron State women's basketball program today, Olivia Waufle.
She signed her letter of intent recently and will come to Chadron from Horizon High School in Thornton, Colorado. Waufle averaged 13.3 points per game and 6.7 rebounds in 2019-2020 and earned Colorado 5A all-state honorable mention honors.
Waufle tells us, "I chose Chadron State because of the town’s tight knit community. I think it’s important to go new places and meet new people. For college I really wanted to experience something different from where I live now and Chadron State will let me do just that!"
She added, "Coming from Thornton, CO to Chadron will be a big change for me but it’s something I look forward to. I plan on majoring in either business management or entrepreneurship."
Coaching and facilities were important factors to Waufle's decision to attend CSC.
"One of my favorite things about the basketball program at Chadron State is coach Raymer’s straightforwardness. She was very upfront and honest with me and I think that will help me grow in basketball. You can tell she truly cares about her players and wants the best for them in life. I also loved the facilities. The Chicoine Center is something else! I can’t wait for that gym to be packed with fans!"
For recruits all across college athletics COVID-19 has made the process unlike any other in history for kids choosing their future schools. Waufle was lucky and got to visit campus before making her selection.
"Fortunately I did get to visit Chadron State before the Covid-19 situation. The visit was amazing!! The team sat down and had lunch with me, which was super nice of them. I feel bad though, because I’m a little shy when I first meet people."
"My favorite part of the visit was probably the tour. My tour guide (Joel) was the nicest guy ever. Going on that tour gave me a true sense of Chadron State’s community because everyone smiled and said hi as Joel and I walked by. I was also accompanied by a senior from the women’s basketball team and she was extremely nice and answered all of my questions. We even took a little detour and she showed me her room!
"I then went and bought some Chadron swag, watched a practice, and talked with coach Raymer. I loved the visit and I feel bad for recruits who have to make a decision without visiting because it was a big reason why I chose Chadron!"
She's doing all she can to stay focused on her goals and skills during the pandemic situation, trying to make the process as enjoyable as possible.
Waufle says, "I’ve just been doing what I can at home! I’ve been conditioning and working on my skills. I do body weight workouts, go on runs, and do some basketball drills on my outdoor hoop. It’s actually kind of fun overcoming the challenge of the coronavirus because it forces me to be more creative. I feel like a I’m a little kid again playing on my outdoor hoop!"