In Hawaiian language, "ho'okahi" translates "to make one."
On Mondays and Thursdays over the next five weeks, GoSwords.com will talk to select returning student-athletes from all 10 Chaminade University sports about how they are learning from home, keeping busy and coping with the current situation.
Featured here is
Olivia Mariucci of women's cross country. The junior from Templeton, Calif., is a two-time Academic All-Pacific West Conference honoree and has been the one of the women's cross country team's top runners since her freshman season with four first-place team finishes and eight more in second during her career.
Q (GS.com): What are you missing the most about Chaminade?
A (ES): I think what I miss most is being around my teammates, classmates and friends. It has been hard to not see the people I normally see every day.
Q: Outside of distance learning, what are you doing to pass the time?
A: I have been taking advantage of the free time. I traveled home to California and have been making the most of my time here. I have been hiking, cooking and spending a lot of time at the beach.
Q: What are you doing to keep your spirits up during the situation?
A: It has been hard at times but I think it helps that me and my sisters are very close. We are able to hang out together to pass the time. Mostly, I think getting out of the house a few times a day is really important. It helps me to clear my head and makes the days more enjoyable.
Q: How are you staying connected with you coaches and teammates?
A: I have been talking with my coach and teammates mainly through texting. Every once in a while, we will text in a group chat to see how everyone is doing!
Q: Have you learned any new skills or picked up new hobbies that you otherwise would not have if not for the current situation?
A: I think I have been able to do more outdoor activities than I normally would. School takes up so much of my time and by having classes online, it has given me time to do the stuff I normally wouldn't. I have gone on many hikes that I have not done yet and I am grateful I have been able to spend quality time with my family.
Q: What is your favorite on-the-field or on-court memory from this past 2019-20 year?
A: I think our cross country trip to Hilo was one of my favorite memories. We had a really fun time as a team and I could tell how much our team was able to bond on this trip.
Q: What is the first thing you will do after we return to a sense of "normalcy?"
A: Once this is all over, which I hope is soon, I am excited to hang out with the people who I haven't seen. I would love to go to the beach or even go out to lunch! Although this has been tough for everyone, I am grateful for the extra time I have gotten to spend with my family.
