Athletic HOF Inductee Profile: Olivia Warren

Former Brescia University women's cross country and track & field student-athlete Olivia Warren (class of 2015) was announced as an inductee for the Kentucky Legend Athletic Hall of Fame's 2020 class on March 5.

"Being inducted in the hall of fame is an honor. It makes me feel proud to be a part of Brescia history," said Warren.

"I will forever be grateful for my coaches and teammates who inspired me to work hard and accomplish my goals. I learned the value of hard work, determination, and making sacrifices while being a student-athlete at Brescia," Warren added.

In cross country, she qualified for the NAIA Cross Country National Championship three times from 2011-2013. Individually, Warren is a three time member of the All-KIAC team.

Additionally, the alumna was on the NAIA Champions of Character award winning team in 2013 -- a community service driven accomplishment that means that the 2013 women's cross country team did more for the community than any other women's cross country team that year.

"What makes Olivia so special is her work ethic and determination. This does not pertain just to running, but to all aspects of her life," clarified former Brescia cross country/track and field Head Coach Alan Schulze.

"As many do, Olivia has had many battles through life that she's had to fight and she meets every single one with a smile on her face. No matter the task in front of her, she attacks each one with 100% ferocity and tenacity. To this day I have never, and likely will never, coach an athlete with her level of determination," added Schulze.

In track and field, Warren qualified for the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field Championship for the marathon in 2015 -- she is still the only women's individual qualifier for any track & field event in Brescia history. In addition to her National qualification, she earned four KIAC championships, winning the 10k in three consecutive seasons (from 2012-2014) and the 5k in 2013. She also earned seven All-KIAC honors in track between 2012-2015.

Warren currently holds four track & field school records: the half marathon (1:30:42.00), the 10k (40:51.18), the outdoor 5k (19:05.07), and the indoor 3k (11:17.07).

"Olivia led by example every year at Brescia and she was consistently one of the hardest workers on the team -- her accomplishments directly reflect that," said former teammate Andrew Atkins.

Warren continues to keep herself involved in the sport, racing in several competitions a year with the Paducah Area Running Team and coaching in the St. Mary's School District (where she went to school).

The Kentucky Legend Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be on April 18 at 6:30 p.m. in the gym located in the Moore Center (717 Frederica St.). Click here to purchase tickets to the event. Keep up with all of the Hall of Fame news by following the Brescia athletic department on Twitter (@Brescia Bearcats) and on Facebook (Brescia Bearcats). Stay tuned for the next inductee profile on 3/17.