Why This CofC Volleyball Star is Spending Her Summer in Chicago Finance Meetings
Olivia Mae Van Der Werff in the Windy City
After helping lead the College of Charleston volleyball team to a CAA Championship and an NCAA Tournament berth, rising senior Olivia Mae Van Der Werff is spending her summer where few student-athletes go: inside a real estate capital markets firm.
Earlier this month, Olivia Mae began an internship at Essex Capital Markets, a boutique firm in Chicago that specializes in structuring and sourcing capital for commercial real estate transactions. It’s a far cry from the volleyball court—but the pace, pressure, and precision of the industry feel right at home for someone used to competing at a high level.
“I chose to intern at Essex Capital Markets this summer because I wanted a front-row seat to how deals actually get done,” she said. “Coming from a background as a student-athlete, I’ve always thrived in fast-paced, competitive environments, and finance felt like a natural fit. Essex stood out because of their hands-on approach and exposure to real transactions.”
In her first few weeks, Olivia Mae has sat in on meetings with industry professionals, worked on market analysis, and helped improve the firm’s internal systems for managing deal flow. She’s gaining early experience in financial structuring, learning how debt and equity are deployed in property acquisitions, and building the technical skills to match her athletic discipline.
“Long term, I’m definitely exploring a career in finance,” she said. “I’m still learning what direction I want to take, but this internship is a big step toward figuring that out.”
The internship also gives Olivia Mae the chance to experience a new city. Originally from Kansas and now based in Charleston, the move to Chicago marks another leap in independence—balancing the challenges of professional life in a new environment with personal growth and career discovery.
And even with a packed schedule, Olivia still makes time for one of her favorite hobbies: coffee. What started in Charleston as a casual Instagram series reviewing local coffee shops has followed her to Chicago, where she’s now spotlighting new spots and giving her followers a taste of the city through her lens—one latte at a time. (Charleston coffee shops - reach out to Olivia!)
This past season, Olivia had one of the most memorable moments of her athletic career when CofC drew Utah in the NCAA Tournament, setting up a once-in-a-lifetime match against her older sister, Amelia Van Der Werff. The game was emotional, competitive, and deeply meaningful for both players—and their family.
“This is a dream come true for me. Honestly, it’s the best day of my life,” Olivia told reporters. “I have asked to play against Utah for the past three years. I really wanted to play against my sister before she graduated. I’m super excited.”
For anyone watching, it was more than just a volleyball match. It was a story of family, love, and everything college sports should be about.
Now, as she looks ahead to her senior year, Olivia Mae Van Der Werff is proving that her impact stretches far beyond the gym. Whether it’s analyzing real estate deals, leading on the volleyball court, taking care of business in the classroom, or building a personal brand, she’s making the most of every opportunity while at CofC.
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