Varsity experience is nothing new for Clarissa Rodriguez.
The Odessa High junior has been playing at the varsity level ever since her freshman season.
What’s different this season is that now she’ll be taking on more of a leadership role as an upperclassman.
That’s probably the biggest difference for her between now and two years ago.
“I think it’s just a lot more of me having to be the leader and make sure that people are following what I’m doing and setting a good example,” Rodriguez said.
The First Team All-District 2-6A honoree from last year is eager to get this season started as the Lady Bronchos hope to improve on last year’s 13-18 record.
“I’m really excited because I feel like we’re going to do so much better this year,” Rodriguez said. “We have a lot of incoming freshman and of course, our new varsity players also are going to give us more skill on the team.”
Odessa High head coach Cody Dominguez returns for his second year and he’s hoping to see more from Rodriguez as both a player and a teammate.
“I’m excited to see how much she’s grown as an athlete,” Dominguez said. “I try to push all my athletes to grow and for her, coming into her junior year, I’m excited to see how much she’s grown. Not only as a player for herself but as a player for the team. I’m excited to see how she steps into that role as we bring in all these incoming freshmen. She’s one of the girls that you notice automatically.”
While it’s Year 3 on the varsity level for Rodriguez, she hasn’t taken it all for granted.
“It’s truly an honor,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve worked as hard as I can to get to that next level and knowing that I can do it.”
Last year, the Lady Bronchos were unable to register a win in District 2-6A action as they went 0-10.
She’s hoping that this year can be much different.
“It’s going to take all of us working together and our relationship with each other and knowing that we can trust each other,” Rodriguez said. “Also too, our coaches are more comfortable with us. Dominguez knows how to work with us and knows who he has on this team.”
With her versatility on the floor, Rodriguez should be a crucial player for the Lady Bronchos.
“Clarissa is one of our strong hitters that we have,” Dominguez said. “She is an all-around volleyball player. She’s a great athlete. She has the power so she brings the power and the ability to whenever we need a sideout. She has that availability. Whenever we need someone to get the ball and put it down, that’s going to be her.”
