Earlier this week Odessa College named Anyssah Holland and DJ Armstong the 2022-23 Student-Athletes of the Year. This award goes to the student-athlete who demonstrates, athletic achievement, academic success, along with social and leadership development during their time at Odessa College. This award is voted on and selected by the Odessa College Athletic Department.

2022-23 Odessa College Female Student-Athlete of the Year

Anyssah Holland – OC Blues Dance Team

Anyssah Holland started her collegiate journey at Odessa College in 2020, joining the OC Blues Dance Team. From the beginning, she was tested by the world's uncertainties; however, her love for Odessa College and the team she was on grew with a strong start.  Anyssah is an exemplary student-scholar as well as a person of tremendous character with considerable leadership skills.

As a student, Anyssah Holland demonstrated a love of learning and the level of commitment necessary to succeed in college and beyond. She creates a positive working environment with peers in the classroom and works closely with professors to stay ahead academically. 

After being recruited to the Blues Dance Team, Anyssah was nominated for 2021-2022 All-American Dance Team at the National Dance Alliance Camp. Since being on the team, Anyssah has contributed to 7 of the 15 titles held by the Blues.  This past year Anyssah took on primary responsibility for the Blues Dance Team as a team leader.  She collaborated with coaches to help shape the season's expectations, she was an admirable example of skill and performance quality, and her encouragement in team practices was uplifting and motivating

Not only is she dedicated to her role on the Blues dance team, but she is often seen on campus supporting the success of many other teams and always volunteers to do campus and community events. She is a true example of what it means to be a Wrangler.  She is motivated, supports others around her, and has an undeniable love for growth. Wholeheartedly, Anyssah demonstrates leadership and has positively impacted Odessa College, the OC Blues, and the Community of Odessa. 

2022-23 Odessa College Male Student Athlete of the Year

Darrell (DJ) Armstrong Jr. – Men's Basketball

DJ has been a two-year member of the Wrangler Men's Basketball Team. In his time at OC, the Orlando, FL native has helped guide Odessa to two consecutive Western Junior College Athletic Conference titles and two consecutive trips to Hutchinson, KS and the NJCAA D1 Men's Basketball National Tournament. Odessa finished in the Elite Eight both of those years. He has played in 68 games as a Wrangler going 31-1 in WJCAC conference play and shooting over 40% from behind the arc.

Academically, DJ has been on the Western Junior College Athletic Conference All-Academic team every semester he has been at OC. Last year he was a 1^st Team NJCAA Academic All-American with a GPA over 3.90.

In his time at OC, DJ has not only been a member of the Men's Basketball Team but can be found all over campus spending time supporting the other Wrangler Student Athletes at their games and events along with other campus wide activities and functions. In addition, he has volunteered in the community with Discover Odessa. He will always greet you with a kind hello and a great smile. DJ is a great example of a student-athlete but is an even better person.