Olivia Thorogood

Life before Stowe

Prior to coming to Stowe I was at Loughborough University for 4 years, where I studied Sport and Exercise Science. Whilst there I trained in the Women’s cricket centre of excellence, where we were very successful, winning the BUSA championships 4 times. Before that I attended Felsted School, which I very much enjoyed, mainly because it meant I could train in Hockey or Cricket everyday!

What do you enjoy most about your subject?

I love sport science because it is so diverse, and spans right from the in-depth detail of muscle structure....to what is going on in an athletes’ head when they take part in sport. I love that I can analyse every aspect of the England cricket team whilst watching a test match....and try to work out how we can be brilliant on the 1st day of the test, and then throw it away the next day!! I’m not sure anyone will understand that!!

What do you enjoy most about Stowe?

Stowe is a fantastic place, whatever your interests are, Stowe will accommodate them. The people are so lovely, and will drop anything to help you. I love the fact that my day can be so varied....starting with teaching the lower 6th sport science, to doing a skills session, to coaching boys hockey and ending with a girl’s cricket session or duty in the house! You can never be bored at Stowe, there’s always plenty to do!!

What is your favourite Lesson?

Choosing a favourite lesson is very difficult as I am always keen to get out of bed to go and teach/coach something....usually after an early morning gym session! I enjoy teaching the Lower 6th sport science as they challenge my knowledge, which is great. The 2ndXI girls’ hockey team were fantastic to coach, and they always kept me laughing, even in the driving rain!! Every lesson is different, so picking a favourite is hard, but if the kids interact with me and the session goes well, then I’m satisfied I’ve done a good job!

What do others say about you?

I would hope that the Stoics say I am someone to look up too....not literally obviously! I train hard and play hard, but when it comes to game time all I ask is that the Stoics work to the best of their ability and leave nothing behind. Never come out of a situation thinking you could have given more...that’s my philosophy. I am friendly and always willing to help out...in the Annex my housemates would probably say that I can usually be found eating rice cakes and asking...’Anyone for a cup of tea!!’

Other hats

I teach drama to the 3rd form which I very much enjoy...this tests me in ways I never thought I could be, and always makes me laugh!! Their creativity amazes me each week. I am slightly unusual in that I split my time between 2 houses Nugent and Lyttelton. This does mean that I have divided loyalties on the sports pitch in house competitions, but it also means that I can interact with all age groups...which can be very rewarding! I also work 1:1 in the skills department, this has been a fantastic opportunity as it gets me to think outside the box and try to help everyone in a different way.

Passions

Obviously my main passion is sport, cricket in particular...but whether I am running around the grounds or playing in a team game I manage to loose myself in the sport and express myself. Something some people may not know about me is that I love to draw...when I need to unwind I will articulate my creativity through drawing. This cannot be done without a good soundtrack...I am obsessed with music and always need a good beat running though me....finding new artists and songs is another way I enjoy spending my free time. If it is possible to have a passion for laughing, then I do! I think it is important to spend your days smiling and making people laugh....otherwise it’s not worth waking up in the morning!