Sophomore Right-Side Hitter Alexis "Lexi" Parrish has been a big part of the success of the Wrangler Volleyball Team this season.  OC is currently undefeated at 14-0 and is ranked #18 in the country in the NJCAA D1 Volleyball poll. 

The Waco, TX native has recorded 96 kills on the season and has a .321 hitting percentage. Alexis has seen success both on and off the volleyball court during her time at Odessa College.  Last year she was selected First Team WJCAC All-Conference, she made both the fall and spring WJCAC All-Academic Team and was a Third Team NJCAA Academic All-American. 

This is all quite impressive given the fact that Lexi has only been playing competitive volleyball since her sophomore year in high school, though she did grow up playing basketball. 

"Lexi has been a huge impact on and off the floor for our program" says Head Coach Kristi Gray.  "She has really improve her game over the last year.  You can tell how much work she has put in during the off-season."

Lexi took some time before practice to sit down and talk about the season and her time at Odessa College.

Q: Tell us about your journey to Odessa College?

A: I committed to and attended Georgia State my freshman year of college, but during fall practice I hurt my knee and ended up missing the entire season due to a medical red-shirt.  I had originally planned on staying at Georgia State, but about two weeks before the season started I got a call from Coach Gray and she offered me a scholarship and I decided to come to Odessa.

Q: The team is off to a terrific start (14-0). What's the biggest difference between this year and last year's team?

A:  We are much more disciplined as a team this season, last year we had a lot of people doing their own thing.  The girls on the team this year have really bought into the "WE ARE ONE" mentality.

Q: What is it like playing for Coach Gray?

A: She is really tough on us and keeps us in line which really helps out on the court.  She cares about us and what we do on and off the court which a lot of coaches don't.

Q: What are your plans after Odessa College?

A:  I want to continue playing volleyball, I'm not real picky about where the school is or what level they play at.  I just want an opportunity to continue playing the sport I love.  I plan on getting my degree in Kinesiology, I want to become an Occupational or Physical Therapist.

Q: Do you have any pre-game rituals?

A: Before every game I listen to "Truth Hurts" by Lizzo.  I also have to put my socks and shoes on the same way every time.  Left sock then left shoe then right sock and right shoe, it's something I have always done.    

Q: Being from Texas, your parents make quite a few games.  What's it like having them in the stands?

A: I think I play better when my parents are at the games.  They are good motivators from the stands, especially my dad he's very vocal.

Q: What do you like about being at Odessa College?

A: I really enjoy how close knit everyone is here, it's like its own community when you're on campus. The professors and staff are really great, they are always willing to work with us and help us to be as successful as possible.

Lexi and the Wrangler Volleyball team travel to Brenham, TX this weekend to participate in the Blinn College Classic.  OC will be back in action at home on Wednesday September 25^th as the take on New Mexico Military Institute in WJCAC play.  First serve is scheduled for 6pm at the OC Sports Center.