Olivia Lee

Olivia Lee : Hometown Hero and Gulf South Conference Women’s Basketball All Conference Selection

For Olivia Lee, basketball has always been more than just a game—it’s been a family tradition, a source of inspiration, and a path to meaningful connections. Now a sophomore and an All-Conference selection for the Union University women’s basketball team, Lee is making her mark on the court in her hometown of Jackson, Tennessee. With deep-rooted ties to the community and the game itself, she embraces every opportunity to grow as a player and person while representing the Lord and the place she calls home.

For many athletes, college is a time to venture out, seek independence, and experience new places. But for Lee, staying home came with a unique set of blessings. Playing in Jackson allows her to have her biggest supporters—her family—right in the stands at every game.

“It’s great because my family is here, especially my grandparents,” Lee shared. “My grandpa isn’t super mobile, so if I played somewhere else, he wouldn’t be able to watch me play. It’s really nice that he can be here, along with family friends who can come to support me too.”

Basketball runs deep in Lee’s family. Her grandfather played at Houston and UT Martin, her uncle played at LSU, Pepperdine, and Union, and her mother played at Ole Miss. For Lee, the game was always present, shaping her childhood and fueling her passion.

“I always looked up to my older sisters,” she said. “When they would go play, I’d be on the side goal, mimicking everything they did. I remember the first time I made a left-handed layup—I practiced it over and over with my mom.”

Lee’s journey took on even more meaning when she reunited with her sister, Macey, at Union. They had played together in high school, winning a state championship in one of Lee’s most cherished seasons. However, they never expected to play together again at the college level.

“After high school, we thought that was it,” she said. “Macey went to UNA, then Samford, and I was figuring out my path. But God moved things around, and we both ended up here at Union. It’s been amazing to share this experience with her again.”

When Lee arrived at Union, she wasn’t sure how big of a role she would have. Coach Campbell had assured her she could make an impact early, but she remained skeptical.

“I figured he was just saying that because he wanted me here,” she laughed. “I knew I had to work for it, and I did. When I found out I’d be starting and playing significant minutes, I was definitely nervous. I didn’t want to be that freshman who messed up.”

Through hard work, mentorship from older teammates, and growing comfort in her role, Lee’s confidence soared. Now, as a sophomore and a key player for the team, she embraces the responsibility that comes with her success.

“This year, I have more confidence in myself because I know my teammates and coaches believe in me,” she said. “Coach Sean and Coach Campbell always encourage me, even if I’m struggling. Just small things like a fist bump and 'you got this' mean a lot.”

Her personal growth extends beyond confidence. She has focused on improving her rebounding, defense, and post-play, areas where she has seen significant development from last season. Lee’s work ethic extends far beyond the hardwood. Coming from a family that values dedication and perseverance, she applies the same mindset to her academic life.

“My parents always say, ‘Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.’ I’ve heard that so many times,” she said. “My dad is one of the hardest workers I know, and my mom is incredible—raising five kids, working full-time, coming to all our games, making sure everything is taken care of. That kind of work ethic has been passed down to me.”

This year, with accounting courses demanding more of her time, she has had to refine her routine.

“I get my classes done in the morning, take a little nap—I love naps—then I shoot in the afternoons before practice,” she said. “After practice, I handle my studying and homework. It’s all about finding balance.”

Beyond basketball and academics, Lee views her time on the court as an opportunity to glorify God. Her grandfather has always reminded her that the gifts she has are God-given, and she strives to use them to honor Him.

“My grandpa has always told me that if I’m not using the gifts God has given me, I’m not glorifying Him,” Lee said. “That’s how I see it when I step on the court—I am a representation of Him. I say a prayer before every game, asking Him to allow me to use my gifts to glorify Him, and for my words and actions to reflect Him. You never know who you might be impacting, even in small ways, like avoiding negative language or how you respond to adversity.”

For Lee, gratitude and perspective play a significant role in her approach to the game.

“There are so many people who would dream of playing basketball and being in our position,” she reflected. “God blessed me with this ability, and I’m going to use it. Setting a good example in how I act is important to me because we’ve all seen players who act disrespectfully. I never want to be that. I want to be someone who competes hard but does so with integrity.”

One of Lee’s favorite parts of being on this team is playing with her sister and having great coaches. She recognizes that college basketball can sometimes feel like a job, and not all programs emphasize strong relationships. However, she considers it a blessing to be on a team that is committed to one goal and where no one cares who gets the credit for a game—they just want to win and do it for each other.

“The last thing in the world we want to do is let each other down. That is my favorite part most of all,” she said. “It is also super cool to play with Alexis because she and Macey have been best friends since they’ve been at UNA, and then I got close to Lex because I would go visit Macey and they were roommates. It is just super cool how people get integrated back into each other’s lives—like being rivals with Emily and then her coming here, and then playing against J last year to her being here. It is just crazy how God works things out for reasons you don’t even know and in ways you don’t even know.”

As she continues to grow and lead, Lee embodies the values that have shaped her: faith, family, and an unrelenting work ethic. With two more years ahead of her at Union, her journey is far from over—and the city of Jackson will be cheering her on every step of the way.