Women’s History Month Spotlight: Student, Olivia Odermatt '19
Accounting and finance major, Olivia Odermatt ’19, leads by example both on-and-off the softball field.
The two-time NCAA Division III softball captain is a passionate, determined, and hardworking student-athlete who puts 100 percent into everything she does—including both athletics and academics.
After Commencement this May, Odermatt plans to utilize her leadership skills to succeed in the business world as a financial analyst. Her in-depth internship experience over the last four years combined with the skill set developed through her captainship, will surely set her apart from the competition.
I feel empowered as a woman here at Endicott by the athletic department and through academic advisors. The support system that is created here sets up success in so many forms.
Here’s more about Odermatt and what she has to say about being a female leader at Endicott College.
How does it feel to be captain of a NCAA Division III softball team?
Being the captain of the softball team is truly an honor. To be elected captain by your teammates and coaches allows you to stand tall and gain confidence. Being a captain means that you have displayed characteristics that distinguish you as a leader. Knowing that my teammates look up to me makes all my hard work worth it.
How are you able to lead as captain? What skills are needed?
To be a successful captain, you must know your teammates—specifically, what motivates them, how to comfort them, and what they need from you as a leader. As a captain you need to know when you need to push someone or when they just need to know someone is there for them.
How do you feel empowered as a woman leader here at Endicott?
I feel empowered as a woman here at Endicott by the athletic department and through academic advisors. The support system that is created here sets up success in so many forms. I feel that I can make a difference and nothing can stop me from achieving anything that I dream of. Whether it is the support system pushing you to apply for a job, or pushing you to break social norms, or to never back down from something you believe in.
Why do you think it's important for women to support other women?
It is important for women to support each other because we are all in the same position. In today’s society women need to push for equal opportunities. Also, as a group we can create the change the world so desperately needs. We can prove that we can be just as successful as any other person. By standing together we can minimize the obstacles that women face every day. However, in order to succeed we need the support of each other.
What has been your greatest success here at Endicott?
My greatest success here at Endicott has been growing as a person and realizing that nothing can stand in my way of reaching my fullest potential. Wherever life takes me, Endicott has taught me to have confidence in myself and that I can achieve anything I set my mind to. I always need to stand up for what I believe in and never be intimidated by obstacles that may stand in my way.
What do you think makes you such a successful leader?
I think what makes me a successful leader is my ability to think about the greater good over myself. I’m able to pull the team together so we can stand by a common goal in order to be successful. At the end of the day, as a leader you must take into consideration everyone else and what will help each individual person. Being a role model and setting a good example for your teammates is the biggest factor. If someone sees you as a leader, they look up to you and your actions, so as a captain we always need to be aware.
To learn more about the accounting and finance programs, visit the School of Business. For athletics information, visit ecgulls.com.