Flying High: Olivia Solis on Track, Aviation, and Finding the Perfect Fit at MSU
Minnesota State University high jumper Olivia Solis discovered her passion for track and field back in seventh grade.
“We had track in middle school, and I tried all the events,” she says. “I was just naturally the best at high jump.”
Her math teacher at the time, who also happened to coach the event and is now the town’s mayor, recognized her potential and encouraged her to stick with it. Though she experimented with running events, Olivia quickly realized where her strength truly was.
“I’m not fast. I can only jump high,” she laughs.
Originally from Oswego, Illinois, a suburb near West Chicago, Olivia faced a unique challenge when choosing a college. She wanted to continue competing in track while pursuing a degree in aviation, a rare combination at most universities.
“I had no idea they had aviation, my major, and it’s one of the only Division II schools that offers both aviation and track,” she explains. “It was literally perfect. No other school had exactly what I wanted.”
The opportunity came when her high school coach reached out to her with the news that MSU was interested in recruiting her. Once she confirmed they offered aviation, her decision was made.
“The rest was history.”
During her time at MSU, Olivia has made lasting memories, both as an athlete and a teammate.
“Every time I PR is a nice memory, but it’s really the teammates I’ve met,” she says. “They’re going to be my lifelong friends. Every practice, every meet, I enjoy being around them.”
One meet, in particular, stands out. At Drake University in Iowa, her parents were able to see her PR in person for the first time.
“Usually when they come, I don’t do too well, so I was really happy about that.”
For younger teammates just starting out, Olivia has some heartfelt advice. “Don’t be too hard on yourself. I was way too serious my freshman year and wasn’t performing well because I was jumping scared, afraid to disappoint someone.”
She adds that high jump is just as much mental as it is physical.
“It’s one of the only events where you have to fail to be done. It really messes with your confidence.”
After graduation, Olivia will intern with Endeavor Air, a Delta Airlines affiliate based at Minneapolis–Saint Paul Airport, working in ground operations. She hopes to stay in Minnesota and eventually work in airport planning or operations.
“There are so many paths in aviation, and I’m excited to keep exploring.”
From soaring over the bar to taking off toward a career in aviation, Olivia Solis is reaching new heights, on and off the field.
Photo caption: Olivia Solis on reflects on her passion for track and her academic journey as a student in aviation at Minnesota State University, Mankato. (Matt Miller/The Reporter)
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