Wrangler Spotlight: Savannah Marenco, Sophomore, Outside Hitter, El Paso, TX

The Odessa College Volleyball team continues to build off of last year's success as the Wranglers are off to a 7-1 start and are currently ranked #2 in country in the latest NJCAA D1 Volleyball Poll.  A key contributor to their success has been sophomore outside hitter Savannah Marenco.

Through all eight matches this year, the El Paso native has recorded 65 kills which is almost half of her total kills from last year.  She is averaging 2.5 kills per set and in their opening match of the season, Savannah recorded a game and career high in kills with 14.   

When asked about Savannah, head volleyball coach Kristi Gray said. "Savannah is not only a great athlete for our program but she is also a great leader. She is one of the hardest working and most athletic kids I have ever coached, which is what drew me to recruiting her in the first place. Unfortunately, last year she suffered a few injuries that kept her off of the court but she has really stepped into a big role on this year's team. She is someone who we need on the court if we want to continue our success. This kid will run through a brick wall for her team, which is what I love most about her."

Savannah took time after practice to sit down and talk about her time here at Odessa College.

Tell us about your journey to Odessa College and how you ended up here?
SM: I had a lot of different offers from many schools, but after coming on my visit and meeting coach Gray, I knew that OC was the right place for me.  Coach G, made me feel very welcome and made the decision in choosing OC easy.  She made it feel like home. 

What is it like playing for Coach Gray?
SM: I feel like she holds me to a very high standard.  She pushes us each and every day in practice and in games.  She is one of the best coaches I have had.  She has big expectations for all of us and I don't want to let her down. 

You all made school history last year by qualifying for the NJCAA D1 Volleyball National Tournament.  What was that like?
SM:  Last year was one of the hardest years I've had as a player due to my back injury and not being able to be on the court as much as I wanted to.  It was awesome to be a part of that team and make history for the program by going to the NJCAA tournament for the first time in school history. 

Do you have any pre-game rituals?
SM: I usually don't eat on gameday, I know that sounds weird but I'm just not hungry.  I still get nervous before games.  I watch motivational videos and listen to music to get me focused on the game.

What has it been like playing during COVID-19 and a global pandemic?
SM: It has been really tough with all the rules in place.  I know that its part of what we have to do in order to play but its still tough.  We all have to go through it, but it's worth it if it allows us to play the game we all love. 

You all are off to a 7-1 start, tell me about the team this year compared to last year?
SM: The team this year is totally different than last year.  We have a great vibe and connection with each other on and off the volleyball court.  We really mean it when we say we have each other's back.  I would do anything for the girls on this team.

What are your plans after you leave Odessa College?
SM: I know that I want to continue to playing volleyball after I leave OC, but I'm not sure where that will be.  My dream is to go to the University of New Mexico and play volleyball, that is where my brother is going to go to school to play football next year.  It would be really cool to be able to go to the same school as he does. 

Being from El Paso your parents come to a lot of games, what is it like having them in the stands?
SM: That was part of the reason I choose OC, its only four hours from home and that allows my family to come to a lot of our games.  I love that they come because they were always at my games in high school and have been supportive of me my whole life.  I love being able to look up and see them in the stands, it always puts a smile on my face.

What do you like about Odessa College?
SM: We are a very close-knit group here; all of the athletic teams do a great job at supporting each other.  Everybody knows everybody. The support we get from the teachers, staff, and administration is awesome.  They push us to be successful at everything we do here.   

The Wrangler Volleyball Team travels to Yavapai, AZ this weekend for the Dalton Overstreet Invitational.  Odessa will be back in action at home on Wednesday, February 10^th as they open WJCAC play against Frank Phillips.