It’s official. Atascocita Volleyball is recognized as a legitimate contender in H-Town.
Under the direction of head coach Madeline Odom, the Eagles have gradually ascended the ranks while dominating in district-play. With a current record of 25-10 (12-0 in district), this surging group seems destined for a deep run in the ensuing postseason.
So, what’s been the secret ingredient?
“I think we have a phenomenal chemistry on the court,” said Odom. “This season, we haven’t necessarily been down that often, but I feel like when we are, everybody has each other’s back and our girls are not willing to lose. They definitely play their butts off and that buy-in has kind of been a game-changer for us this season.”
Atascocita’s potent offensive attack can be also attributed to performances made by their outside-hitters, especially that of newcomer Jordan Morrow. In her freshman year, she already leads the Eagles with over 300 kills and remains in the top-3 in the digs category.
“Even back when she (Morrow) was a seventh grader, she would compete at our freshmen camp, and she would be cutting those girls up,” Odom said. “So, we couldn’t wait to finally have her in our program and she’s grown a lot. She’s one of those people who’s already become a leader on the court.”
Morrow isn’t Atascocita’s only weapon, though.
UNLV-commit Rheanna Deen-Jackson (Sr. MH) and Brooklynne Fitzgerald (Sr. OH) have stepped up in their own right, as they currently have over 200 kills apiece on the year.
“Offensively, we are very spread out,” said Odom. “We run a 6-2, so our right sides are getting a ton of action. Our middles have been getting after it. I think that’s why we’re pretty dynamic – it’s because we’re not just running one position heavily, and we have plenty of girls to rely on.”
Rheanna Deen-Jackson
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Brooklynne Fitzgerald
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
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Reagan Joyner
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Stella Parsons
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Madisen Bailey
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Since taking the reins of the program three years ago, how has Odom turned Atascocita into a consistent challenger for a district championship?
“I think it’s really about getting in tune with the girls,” she said. “I’m young, and I played college volleyball after playing at Kingwood High. So, I can kind of preach that ‘I’ve been where you are,’ and I have an expectation, I see where we’re at and we just run from there.”
“One of my points of emphasis has been letting these girls know that I care about their physical and mental health, since I know that high school can be hard. I think it just makes everything a lot easier, and that’s part of the culture – you know you’re valued and loved.”
Only two more games remain in the regular season portion of the schedule. Something tells us that the Eagles are just getting started.
“Everybody is super driven,” said Odom. “We have eight seniors, so it’s always the case when we get in the playoffs that we’re doing it for them. We don’t like to lose, and the games we have lost this season were incredible matches against some of the best teams in the state. Moving forward, the girls are going to have a very focused mindset to keep us going.”