By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor
Olivia Fabry is a recent graduate of De Pere High School.
Fabry, a two-time WIAA Division 1 state pole vault champion, will attend the University of Notre Dame on a track and field scholarship.
She will most likely study molecular or environmental engineering.
In her spare time, Fabry likes to hang out with her friends and sister.
Name: Olivia Fabry
Nickname: Liv, Fabe
School: De Pere
Sport: Track and field
Event: Pole vault
Parents: Ryan and Tracy
Twitter: @oliviafabryy
Congratulations on your recent state championship!
“Thank you so much. I had a really fun weekend with the team, and I was very happy to repeat my title.”
How was this one different than winning the title last year?
“I had a lot more fun this year, and I was a little more relaxed and didn’t get so worked up.”
Did you have doubts this year?
“I didn’t have the greatest year, so I did have some doubts leading up to state. Last year at state, I was confident I could win based on how I was jumping during the season, but this year, I no-heighted at four meets. I was definitely more worried this year.”
How do you explain jumping 6 inches lower this year at state?
“I went through a lot – my grandma was sick and passed away. I also struggled with a foot injury and a hamstring problem. The spring weather didn’t help, either.”
Your teammate, Grace Kowalkowski, took third at state.
“Yes, it’s the second year in a row that happened. We wanted one-two, but one-three is pretty close.”
Speaking of state, I heard you played Twister with the team.
“We played it way too long, and my abs were sore the next day. I had to compete the next day!”
Tell the reader what it’s like being that high up in the air upside down.
“The first time I vaulted was in the eighth grade. The higher you jump, the scarier it is. It happens so fast. It’s fun on the way down because you feel like you’re free-falling.”
Have you ever snapped a pole?
“I broke Grace’s pole my sophomore year and felt so bad.”
Have you ever tried other field events?
“I tried long jump once during my freshman year and fell flat on my face.”
Do any embarrassing pole-vault attempts come to your mind?
“I have so many. One time on a vault, I fell into the standard. There’s a hole between the mat and the standard, and I fell right into it – I disappeared.”
Tell me about your family.
“My younger sister is named Sophia and is a freshman at De Pere, my dad graduated from Ashwaubenon and my mom from De Pere.”
Do you come from a sports family?
“Sophia does track, my dad did track, football and wrestling in high school and my mom played basketball. My dad had wrestling offers to continue in college.”
How emotional was it seeing your high school career end?
“After I won my state title, my dad said he was so proud of me – I lost it and started bawling. He’s been my [pole vault] coach for four years and has always been there. I’m excited to move on to Notre Dame, but it’s a little bittersweet. I will miss my friends.”
Why did you pick Notre Dame?
“My last two choices were Vanderbilt and Notre Dame which are both great for academics, but I didn’t want to be so far away from home, so that was a big factor.”
What are you hoping for in your time there?
“Qualifying for Nationals would be cool and traveling to the different venues. There are some really good vaulters in Notre Dame’s conference.”
How high can you go?
“It’s a big goal, but I’m shooting for 15 feet.”
Did you ever do any other high school sports?
“I played volleyball my freshman and sophomore years, and I ran cross country junior year.”
What is something about you most people wouldn’t know?
“I get nervous all the time and constantly bite my nails.”
How will Olivia Fabry be remembered at De Pere?
“As an outgoing person who will talk to anyone, and I have friends from a lot of different social groups. Also, for being nice and kind to everyone. I hope I was a good role model for the younger kids.”
Waterski or snow ski?
“Definitely waterski.”
Carpet or hardwood?
“Carpet – my feet are always cold.”
Candy or ice cream?
“Ice cream – I love chocolate.”
Watch a good TV show or go to the movies?
“I love the movies, but buying your own candy before getting to the theatre is a must – I’m on a budget.”
Green or yellow?
“Green.”
Favorites
Sport to watch: Football
Athlete: Pole vaulter Sandi Morris
Local restaurant: Sammy’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant
Animal: Dog