December 2, 2009

O’Dell named December Student Athlete of the Month

Starring on the volleyball court and in the classroom, Cowley College sophomore Michelle O’Dell was recently named the school’s December Student Athlete of the Month.

O’Dell, who came to Cowley from Rose Hill High School, helped the Lady Tiger volleyball team put together one of the most successful seasons in the program’s history. Cowley captured its second straight conference title, fifth consecutive region title, and finished as the national runner-up at the NJCAA Division II National Championships in Wisconsin Dells, WI.

O’Dell excelled as a libero for the volleyball team. In fact, she was the only non-hitter named a first-team all-conference selection. She led the Jayhawk Conference Eastern Division in digs. Her 783 digs on the season ranked in the top-10 nationally.

During her two years at Cowley, O’Dell helped the Lady Tigers win 62 of 74 matches and transformed herself from a role player into a team leader.

“Coach (Jenifer) Bahner told the sophomores before the season she needed us to be leaders, so I strived to set a good example and work hard,” O’Dell said.

Along with volleyball, O’Dell also serves as a Cowley Captain. The marketing major has a 3.8 cumulative grade point average.

“This is a great honor to be recognized as the Student Athlete of the Month, I hope it is a goal for other girls on the (volleyball) team to strive for,” O’Dell said.

She is undecided on where she will attend after Cowley, but plans on continuing playing volleyball.

“I have developed so much not only in volleyball but also as a person,” O’Dell said. “I am leaving here so much better than when I first came here.”