From Soccer Star to Stanford Lacrosse

Olivia Abbott (SHP ’26) was recently featured in an article from Inside Lacrosse, “5-Star Stanford Commit Olivia Abbott’s Quest to Grow the Golden State,” about her journey toward becoming a star in the sport, and deciding to stay on the West Coast for college. We sat down with Olivia to learn more.

Sacred Heart Schools: Describe your earliest athletic experiences – you began with soccer… what other sports did you play, and how quickly did you rise to playing competitively?

Olivia Abbott: I started playing soccer when I was three years old, and by the time I was nine, I was selected for California PDP Regional Program along with my local team that was part of the Developmental Academy (now known as ECNL). In addition to soccer, I also ran track, played club volleyball, and participated in as many sports as I could at Sacred Heart. Having attended Sacred Heart since preschool, their outstanding athletic department really helped foster my love for athletics from an early age.

SHS: How was LMS Athletics Director Liz Hogan a mentor to you?

Abbott: Liz Hogan was both my sixth-grade homeroom and PE teacher, and she played a pivotal role as a mentor during a challenging time in my life. In sixth grade, I had knee surgery to repair a fracture on my dominant kicking leg from soccer, which required a six-month recovery. During that time, my doctor recommended I explore sports that didn't rely on kicking. Coach Hogan often spent time talking with me about lacrosse, explaining its similarities to soccer and how dynamic and enjoyable the game could be.

 

She not only guided me through my physical recovery but also helped me mentally by showing me that there were exciting opportunities beyond soccer. Her support opened my eyes to trying something new, and she encouraged me to try lacrosse—a sport in which she received a gold medal while playing [on the U.S. Women’s National Team during the 2022 Lacrosse world championship]. As the pandemic hit and I was cleared to play again, I bought a lacrosse stick and started practicing at home, quickly falling in love with the sport. Coach Hogan’s influence extended far beyond the classroom.

SHS: What do you love most about the sport?

Abbott: I love the fast pace, strategic play and creativity of the game. The stick gives you so much flexibility, allowing for creativity in shot selection and playmaking. Every game feels dynamic, and the fast transitions between offense and defense keep you constantly engaged. I also really enjoy the high-scoring nature of the game, as it provides more opportunities to contribute, whether it’s by scoring or taking the draw after each goal.

SHS: What made you want to stay close to home and play for Stanford?

Abbott: I’m incredibly grateful for the calls I received from top lacrosse coaches on September 1, 2024—the first day I could verbally commit. My uncle, who works for a pro sports team, advised me to prioritize being a student-athlete and choose a school that truly invests in its athletic programs. I narrowed my options to Boston College, Florida, Northwestern, and Stanford.

While I initially considered moving to the East Coast, my visit to Stanford changed my perspective. The Home of Champions, showcasing the school’s athletic legacy and dominance in the Directors' Cup, showed me Stanford’s commitment to excellence. Though not a lacrosse powerhouse, the program’s potential—especially with its new ACC affiliation—was compelling.

 

Additionally, seeing Stanford players who had helped me with my stickwork early on felt like a full-circle moment. Coach Danielle Spencer’s vision for lacrosse’s future, particularly its growth on the West Coast, resonated with me. I realized Stanford was the best place to be part of something bigger, both for the program and for the sport’s future.

SHS: Now, transitioning away from the topic of lacrosse, what are your favorite academic subjects at SHS? Could you describe your overall experience at SHS?

Abbott: I really enjoy all subjects in school, but my favorite class to date was my computer science class! I enjoy English/writing as well.

I began my journey at Sacred Heart Schools in preschool, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have grown up within such a close-knit and supportive community. From an early age, Sacred Heart fostered a sense of belonging.The values of the school—such as service, integrity, and respect—have shaped me not only as a student but also as an individual. The relationships I've built with teachers, coaches, and peers will carry with me beyond these years. 

SHS: What parting advice would you give to younger players at SHS hoping to get into the sport and do well?

Abbott: Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new things! It's never too late to pick up a new sport. In fact, one of the conversations I had with the editor-in-chief at Inside Lacrosse was about the high burnout rate among athletes who specialize in sports very early in life. Since I didn’t start playing lacrosse until middle school, the sport still feels fresh and exciting to me, and I genuinely love playing every day. Starting later gave me a different perspective, and it’s kept my passion for the game alive.

Sacred Heart has a ton of opportunities, whether it's in sports, fine arts, or academics. Make the most of them—you never know what you might be good at until you try!

This article was reprinted from the Sacred Heart Magazine Spring '25 issue.