Northern Illinois University Athletics

NIU: One of eight returning letterwinners anxious to earn more playing time and make a greater contribution. 2004-05: Saw action as a reserve in 26 of 28 contests to earn first letter finishing with averages of 1.4 points-per-game and 1.2 rebounds while averaging 7.6 minutes per contest. Tallied season-best five points in victory over SIU-Edwardsville (1-2-05), but also registered a quartet of four-point performances, including battle with DePaul University (12-15-04) which featured season-high 18-minute showing. Snared season-best five boards vs. the Blue Demons and also against SIU-E plus Ball State University (1-19-05). Had 17-minute stint highlighted by 3-of-4 free throws in Huskies[apos] first 2004-05 win versus Southern Illinois University (Carbondale) at season-opening University of Iowa / KCRG Hawkeye Challenge Tournament. Prep: Capped prep career in 2003-04 as Third-Team All-State honoree by Illinois Basketball Coaches Association and Special mention pick by Champaign News-Gazette. Four-year varsity letterwinner compiled 1,406 career points and 870 rebounds for Lady Hawk program which had 87-game conference win streak snapped, but still managed to capture 10th straight SICA Central league crown. As a senior, voted school[apos]s Outstanding Female Student-Athlete and led coach John Maniatis[apos] 21-8 squad with averages of 16.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.7 steals while hitting 51 percent from the field. Played for Class AA South unit in IBCA[apos]s 2004 Summer All-Star Game along with fellow Huskie recruit Tara Michels. Two-time All-Area honoree by Chicago Sun-Times and Daily Southtown after earning third straight First-Team All-SICA Central accolade. Hit 58 percent from floor while averaging 15.9 ppg. and 8.2 rpg. during 2002-03 junior campaign. Those numbers were more remarkable considering limitations due to a torn Achillles tendon. Helped that HHS unit go 25-5 and earned Special Mention All-Area notice from Sun-Times. Her résumé encompasses 98-18 run for Lady Hawks, a trio of regional championships, plus a 'Sweet 16' appearance during 2000-01 frosh campaign which ended in loss to eventual AA champ Oak Park Fenwick. Also lettered in volleyball and track earning All-SICA certificates in both sports. National Honor Society member ranked third academically in a class of 288. Personal: Youngest of three children for Ronald and Diane Odom. Admires Michael Jordan, Tina Thompson and Lisa Leslie. Major: Undecided. Birthdate: October 26, 1985.