Name: Caroline Livingston
Program: Life Sciences
Academic Year: 5
Sport/Position: Volleyball/Outside Hitter

"Quite honestly, I think a part of me still misses the scooter. Looking back now I have a lot of memories to laugh at, and I'm thankful for the experience."

Just last season, Caroline Livingston was sidelined by a season-ending injury and relied on a knee scooter to get around campus. And while she reflects on that season with the poise of a seasoned veteran, overcoming a convulsion fracture on her lateral malleolus — the rounded bone on the outside of the ankle — was no small task.

"It was really humbling and motivating. I definitely had to fight to get back on the court," said the fifth-year volleyball senior. "Now it's as if it never happened, so I keep a picture of my ankle when it was at its most swollen in my locker to remind me… and for a laugh." 

Back for her fifth and final season, the return of a recovered, stronger Livingston has boosted the Queen's women's volleyball side. The 6'2 outside hitter led their attack, averaging 3.29 kills per set for a total of 247 on the season. 

"A goal I've set for this season has been just enjoy the game and to take in every moment of each day with this team," said Livingston. "It's important to make sure that you stay present with every match, every practice, and every rep." 

Staying present and focused is something that Livingston tributes to team comradery, and by extension, team performance.

"We take thirty seconds before and after each practice as part of a mindfulness activity. By focusing on being present, we can feel it translate into our play when we're really thriving as a unit on the court." 

"Our goals this year have been to push for a strong playoff spot, for an OUA title, and for a shot at nationals," added Livingston.

With her eyes on the prize, it's no surprise that a competitive nature runs in the family. Caroline's older sister, Veronica, suited up for the Ryerson Rams from 2013 to 2017 and was a four-time OUA First-Team All-Star. Like her Gaels counterpart, Veronica was an attacking force as an outside hitter.

"My sister really elevated the program during her time at Ryerson," said Caroline. "Being the younger sister, I've always looked up to her." 

A family affair, the Livingston sisters relished the three years spent on opposite sides of the net as opponents.  

"There was something about getting to go head-to-head and then hanging out after the game that really brought us together," said Caroline. "I think that was some of the best volleyball we've ever played - stakes were high to see who would come out on top, and we could both read each other across the net. I knew exactly where she was going to hit, or when she was going to serve me." 

A motivated student-athlete on-and-off the hardwood, Livingston leads the varsity student athlete community at Queen's as the co-president of the Varsity Leadership Council, the VLC. 
 
The VLC is a student-athlete organization, including both clubs and team representatives. As a council, Livingston and the VLC speaks on behalf of the Queen's student-athletes and aims to promote a positive image of Queen's Athletics by building relations with Kingston communities through volunteer opportunities and outreach programs. 

"I first got involved with the VLC at the end of my first year in 2015. I really enjoyed giving back with my teammates and the sense of community that the VLC brought to Queen's Athletics," added Livingston. 

"The 2018-19 season has been quite successful so far. Queen's student-athletes saw 643 pounds donated to Partners in Mission foodbank following our Nike Reveal back in September, as well as 25-holiday baskets and over 600 dollars in donations donated to Martha's Table in December!" 

Balancing the VLC, volleyball, and her studies in Life Sciences, Livingston has established a rhythm by her final year.

"Finding your own balance just takes practice. I've found keeping sight of your goals is essential. For me, school and sports matter, but the people in your life should always matter more. Otherwise, the rest feels almost irrelevant. When you put people first, the rest comes easy."