The Odessa College athletic department would like to recognize Amanda Soderqvist and Kyler Castillo as the 2018-19 Female and Male Student-Athletes of the Year. 

Amanda Soderqvist, Lulea Sweden

Soderqvist, a sophomore guard on the women's basketball team has been a part of two Region 5 Championship teams that both advanced to the Elite Eight of the NJCAA D1 Women's Basketball Championships. 

The Lulea, Sweden native averaged seven points per game during her two years on the court for the Wranglers.  Known for her shooting outside the arc, Amanda was a 36.7% three point shooter during her career making 103 three point shots. 

"Amanda has been an outstanding student-athlete in our program over the past two years" said Head Coach Ara Baten.  "She has demonstrated tremendous work ethic on the floor and in the classroom and has been a major reason for our team success during her time here." 

Amanda was named Honorable Mention to the 2019 Western Junior College Athletic Conference Women's All Conference Basketball Team as voted on by the coaches in the conference. 

She has also seen success in the classroom, as she currently carries at 3.8 GPA and will graduate this spring with her Degree from Odessa College.

"The special thing about Amanda that separates her from most is in addition to being a very talented young woman, she is a better person and teammate" said Baten.  "I look forward to following Amanda's career moving forward and we will miss her very much."

Amanda has signed with New Mexico State University where she will continue her basketball and academic career at the four year level. 

"I was very surprised to be selected" said Soderqvist.   "All of the coaches and professors have helped me since I arrived on campus and throughout my time here. I loved my time at Odessa College, if it was possible I would come back for two more years."

Kyler Castillo, Midlothian Texas

Castillo, has put up some very impressive numbers during his time on the Wrangler Baseball team.  He was a part of the Wranglers 2017 WJCAC Championship Team, where he hit .425 over 56 games and was named to the 2017 WJCAC All-Conference and All-Region 5 Teams. 

"Kyler is an outstanding person and a great competitor on the field" said Coach Kurtis Lay. "He has been great for our program over the three years he has been here and the younger guys look up to him."

The Midlothian, TX native redshirted during the 2018 season due to injury, but has returned to form during the current 2019 season.  He is currently hitting .462 with five home runs, 10 triples, 18 doubles, and has knocked in 45 runs for the Wranglers.   

"Kyler has shown how hard work on and off the field will get you to where you want to go" said Lay.  

Kyler is also an outstanding student as he currently carries a 3.6 GPA and had a perfect 4.0 GPA during the fall 2018 semester and will graduate this spring with his Degree from Odessa College. He will attend the University of New Mexico next year where he will continue his athletic and academic career.

"It's pretty awesome to receive this award" said Castillo.  "The coaches, faculty, and administration have been really good to me and have made my time here at Odessa College very memorable.  They all have helped me achieve my goals on the field and in the classroom."

The OC Wrangler Student-Athlete of the Year award goes to the male and female student-athletes who demonstrate, athletic achievement, academic success, along with social and leadership development during their time at Odessa College.  This award is voted on by the Athletic Department Coaching Staff.

Previous Winners:

2017-18:
Brooke Ryan – Softball
Tresten Kennard – Baseball

2016-17:
Winter Ridgeway – Softball
Jake Trujillo – Rodeo

2015-16:
Brenon Rhodes - Baseball