Friday Digs: Kaycee O'Dell
7/3/2020 7:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Kaycee O’Dell gave the Bobcat volleyball program more than it could’ve expected last season considering she was coming back from open heart surgery in the offseason.
Every Friday from now until the beginning of the volleyball season will we spotlight a member of the Bobcat volleyball program. Now up: Kaycee O'Dell.
Kaycee O'Dell gave the Bobcat volleyball program more than it could've expected last season considering she was coming back from open heart surgery in the offseason. O'Dell, a freshman middle blocker, had her two biggest moments in separate matches against Sacramento State- both which resulted in Bobcat victories. When she provided a spark that propelled MSU to its opening-round win over the Hornets at the Big Sky Tournament, fans and coaches alike, got a glimpse at what is to come for one of the most voracious players on the team.
CATCHING UP WITH KAYCEE:
1). Can you give us an update on your current status?
I'm in Bozeman. I have been playing a lot of sand volleyball and spending time with my teammates. The craziness in the world right now is pretty insane. The unknown is probably the scariest part of it all. Especially regarding the season.
2). How do you think the spring volleyball season was progressing before everything shut down?
The spring volleyball season was going great. Getting the work in with (Assistant Coach) Carly Thomas was super beneficial. We're still getting stuff done in the gym. It's good to have this time to brush off the rust before fall camp begins in August. Super excited for fall camp and to have the coaches in the gym with us.
3). What are your goals heading into the fall and what are the expectations for the team?
Goals heading into fall include building solid relationships with the freshmen and helping them with their transition onto the team. Making sure they know the expectations and values that we have on the team. The expectation for this season, with the talent and commitment we have on the team, is to win the Big Sky championship. We've talked a lot about it over the spring and we've decided as a team that we are 'Made 4 This.' We can't wait for what the season holds, we can't wait to make history.
HEAD COACH DANIEL JONES ON KAYCEE O'DELL:
"It's incredible to think that just this time last year Kaycee was tentatively taking steps to return to the volleyball court after open heart surgery. For her to play the role that she did for us last year was just awesome. Kaycee has a great sense of commitment and is determined to do everything she can to be the best that she can be. Throughout this time apart we have been allowed to do film session virtually and Kaycee has been one of the hungriest players on the team to improve. I can't wait to get in the gym with her and to continue to see her force her way on to the court."
O'DELLS'S PLAYING BIO:
SOPHOMORE (2019):
Played in eight matches and 14 sets…provided spark off bench recording season-high two kills in Montana State's opening round win over Sacramento State at the Big Sky Conference Tournament…recorded season-best four blocks against Sacramento State and three blocks against Idaho State…ended season with 10 total blocks.
FRESHMAN (2018):
Sat out true-freshman season.
HIGH SCHOOL:
O'Dell prepped at Cactus High School and guided her squad to the Arizona state tournament, where the No. 2-ranked Cobras bowed out in the semifinal round to eventual 4A state champion Salpointe Catholic. CHS posted a 16-1 mark this fall and went 26-8 during O'Dell's two-year stint with the team.
PERSONAL:
O'Dell played club ball with Spiral Volleyball Academy. She is a national Honor Society student.
Kaycee O'Dell gave the Bobcat volleyball program more than it could've expected last season considering she was coming back from open heart surgery in the offseason. O'Dell, a freshman middle blocker, had her two biggest moments in separate matches against Sacramento State- both which resulted in Bobcat victories. When she provided a spark that propelled MSU to its opening-round win over the Hornets at the Big Sky Tournament, fans and coaches alike, got a glimpse at what is to come for one of the most voracious players on the team.
CATCHING UP WITH KAYCEE:
1). Can you give us an update on your current status?
I'm in Bozeman. I have been playing a lot of sand volleyball and spending time with my teammates. The craziness in the world right now is pretty insane. The unknown is probably the scariest part of it all. Especially regarding the season.
2). How do you think the spring volleyball season was progressing before everything shut down?
The spring volleyball season was going great. Getting the work in with (Assistant Coach) Carly Thomas was super beneficial. We're still getting stuff done in the gym. It's good to have this time to brush off the rust before fall camp begins in August. Super excited for fall camp and to have the coaches in the gym with us.
3). What are your goals heading into the fall and what are the expectations for the team?
Goals heading into fall include building solid relationships with the freshmen and helping them with their transition onto the team. Making sure they know the expectations and values that we have on the team. The expectation for this season, with the talent and commitment we have on the team, is to win the Big Sky championship. We've talked a lot about it over the spring and we've decided as a team that we are 'Made 4 This.' We can't wait for what the season holds, we can't wait to make history.
HEAD COACH DANIEL JONES ON KAYCEE O'DELL:
"It's incredible to think that just this time last year Kaycee was tentatively taking steps to return to the volleyball court after open heart surgery. For her to play the role that she did for us last year was just awesome. Kaycee has a great sense of commitment and is determined to do everything she can to be the best that she can be. Throughout this time apart we have been allowed to do film session virtually and Kaycee has been one of the hungriest players on the team to improve. I can't wait to get in the gym with her and to continue to see her force her way on to the court."
O'DELLS'S PLAYING BIO:
SOPHOMORE (2019):
Played in eight matches and 14 sets…provided spark off bench recording season-high two kills in Montana State's opening round win over Sacramento State at the Big Sky Conference Tournament…recorded season-best four blocks against Sacramento State and three blocks against Idaho State…ended season with 10 total blocks.
FRESHMAN (2018):
Sat out true-freshman season.
HIGH SCHOOL:
O'Dell prepped at Cactus High School and guided her squad to the Arizona state tournament, where the No. 2-ranked Cobras bowed out in the semifinal round to eventual 4A state champion Salpointe Catholic. CHS posted a 16-1 mark this fall and went 26-8 during O'Dell's two-year stint with the team.
PERSONAL:
O'Dell played club ball with Spiral Volleyball Academy. She is a national Honor Society student.
Players Mentioned
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