ASHLEY O’DELL : RUSSELLVILLE

It may be a little ironic that Ashley O’Dell became fascinated in the health care profession because she was successful at hiding an injury of her own.

During her sophomore year at Russellville, O’Dell suffered a high ankle sprain early during the soccer season. Had she heeded her family doctor’s advice, O’Dell would have missed the majority of the season. Instead, she avoided the initial recommendation and became a key component of the Lady Cyclones’ 2012 state championship run.

“I was supposed to wear a boot [cast] for six weeks,” said O’Dell, who played the majority of her four-year high school career as a defender and defensive midfielder. “I wore it for one week. I didn’t want to miss that much time.

“We finished with a state title, and it was so worth it.”

After the Lady Cyclones’ season was complete, O’Dell spent time working with physical therapists. She enjoyed it so much that she decided to make it her career. This fall, O’Dell will attend Baylor University, where she will major in biology. She plans to eventually become a physical therapist.

“I went to visit and it just felt right,” O’Dell said of the school located in Waco, Texas. “I can’t really explain it, but I knew that it was the place for me.”

O’Dell was a two-time member of the 7A/6A-East All-Conference team. As a senior, she was the Lady Cyclones’ team captain. She also received the team’s “Share the Glory” award for providing the most assists.

In the classroom, O’Dell packed her schedule with a full load of Advanced Placement classes.

“I played soccer and survived six AP classes my senior year,” O’Dell said. “I think that’s a pretty good achievement.”

ASHLEY O’DELL

SCHOOL Russellville

SPORT Soccer

GPA 4.133

ACT 31

CLASS RANK 18 of 365

COLLEGE CHOICE Baylor

MAJOR Biology

NOTEWORTHY Born March 26, 1996. … Daughter of Charles and Tara O’Dell. … Heavily involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Habitat for Humanity. … Made multiple mission trips to Mexico to build houses for the homeless. … Two-time member of the 7A/6A-East All-Conference soccer team. … Team captain as a senior.

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