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Show DAILY UTAH CHRONICLE Thursday, August 23, 2012 7 VOLLEYBALL Senior Odale supports young team Tom Betar STAFF WRITER Setter McKenzie Odale is in a unique position — she is the only senior on the Utah volleyball team. But Odale said this presents a great opportunity, and by embracing her leadership role as well as drawing on her experience, she hopes to make her final season the most successful one. With II freshmen and sophomores combined on the roster this year, Odale is trying to lead by example during practices and guide the players both on and off the court. She is grateful for her position as the lone senior and is working to prepare the younger players for what they can expect both this season and beyond. Head coach Beth Launiere commends Odale's work ethic. Odale comes in early and stays late in practice and has not only accepted her role as a prominent team leader but is also putting in the time to improve her game, Launiere said. F G "She is one of the best athletes on campus," she said. "Her skills have improved over four years to match her athletic ability, and she believes she can outwork her opponent. It has been amazing to see her four-year progression." Odale said she strives to be an example for her teammates on the court and in life. During her time with the team she has matured both as a player and as a person. She tries to pass along important life lessons she has learned during her tenure, such as the importance of hard work, to the younger players. "When I look at the freshmen, I see a little of myself," Odale said. "My goal is to try and help them reach their great potential here at the U." Despite her sole seniority, Odale doesn't feel any added pressure. Although she does try to help out her younger teammates, she isn't the designated leader of the team. "She does a great job of looking out for the younger players and communicating -• EL RI ' t.betar@ chronicle.utah.edu OD MEET BEN. :00 PM • 0 PM f eA with the team," Launiere said, "but she doesn't have to do anything special because she is the only senior. I just want her to be the best she can be." Rather than feeling pressure, Odale looks at her role as an opportunity. She said she has fun being the lone senior and the support of her coaches and players make everything easier. She also gives messages that are normally reserved as a coach's duty. She said she hopes to instill confidence in the young players and encourage their development. "I tell them to leave it all on the floor and don't ever let anything hold you back," Odale said. "I tell them always believe in yourself." Odale said she can better empathize with younger players because she knows what they are going through. "I've been through just about everything there is in my time here," Odale said. "So I just want my team to know they have my support." I BLDG. (1300 E. 200 S.) CANDIDATE FOR SL COUNTY MAYOR EAT FREE FOO INFO@BEN S CHRONICLE FILE PHOTO Utah's McKenzie Odale blocks an attack Aug. 27, 2011. Odale embraces her role as the lone senior on the team. I University Ilmil MEDIA SALES GROUP _r„, THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH ANSWER TO TODAY'S PUZZLE MEE MUM= E MM DM UMMM MM R [mum u ©©©© m© u u um nm m 0 umum R umm mu ME M o o MEM MM E MUM MI DM A EA po p R EE MEM M M MMISM D MMM D ©©OD© MM DA ME HUME MAE MEM M E MIUM MUM MEM ©©©©©© R MMMMEE ©E©o©© A M©®©D©©©©© D popculturecomics.com Doug Bratton 2009 The Red Cross eventually figured out that Superman was just showing up for the free cookies. FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 4 CAMPUS BRANCHES |