The Madison Marlins volleyball team is gearing up for an exciting 2024 season, bolstered by the dynamic leadership of underclassmen Maci Odums and Coryn Fields. Following a strong 2023 season where the Marlins finished third in 5A Region III District 19 with a 14-4 record, the team is poised for another competitive playoff run this year.
The Marlins, who made the playoffs last season but were eliminated by Foster High School, are looking to their young stars to elevate their game. Odums and Fields, both standout players with promising futures, are expected to play key roles in the team’s success.
“Maci is our captain,” said head volleyball coach Tiffany Lockhart. “She’s young but has the volleyball IQ of a senior. She’s aggressive, quick snap, and the most versatile player in our program. She will play any position to push the team to victory. Coryn is the team’s leading blocker. She is a wall at the net and a solid defender. As the newcomer of the year, she is a kill machine and works extremely hard both on and off the court to get better every day.”
Odums, a former competitive gymnast, transitioned to volleyball seeking a new challenge. Her competitive edge, honed through years of gymnastics at Reflex Gymnastics in Pearland, TX, has translated well onto the volleyball court. She studies the play of elite setters like Ella Swindle of the University of Texas and Madison Skinner, who was named NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player.
“Those two have my eye because Ella is so young and she is starting her journey at the collegiate level but she is already very intelligent when it comes to being a setter and has a very high volleyball IQ. As for Madison, she is very versatile and can do anything as she is a six-rotation outside hitter. She too has a very strong knowledge of the game,” said Odums.
Odums is still uncommitted but hopes to find a program with a strong kinesiology department and excellent player-coach interaction.
“I want to study kinesiology because I want to stay connected to sports as long as possible,” said Odums. “I am interested in helping athletes understand their bodies to reduce and/or eliminate unnecessary injuries.”
Odums is also active in club volleyball, playing for Catalyst Volleyball Club, Houston Juniors, and earning an invitation to play for Houston Volleyball Academy at nationals. She continues to work on improving her vertical jump to enhance her performance, given her height compared to others in her position. Her leadership and advice to younger players is to focus on perseverance and use setbacks as motivation.
Fields, a passionate athlete with a diverse sports background, fell in love with volleyball at age eight while watching her older cousin, Kennedy. Fields, known for her blocking prowess and leadership, also draws inspiration from elite players like Ella Swindle and Reagan Rutherford, a former Ridge Point High School star who while at the University of Kentucky earned AVCA Third Team All-American honors in 2022 and 2023.
Fields, who played for Houston Stellar 16 Elite as an underclassman, is working on becoming a more effective offensive player and improving her defense. She aims to find a collegiate program with a strong Architectural Engineering program and supportive coaching staff.
“I’ve always loved science and math,” said Fields. “Originally I wanted to go into the medical field, but I’m a very analytical person and after watching HGTV with my mom I found a love for designing and creating.”
Fields advice to fellow players emphasizes focusing on personal strengths and continuous improvement, rather than comparing oneself to others.
“Don’t compare yourself to the next girl. There are thousands of girls in the sport and everyone has their own style of play. Focus on what you can bring to the game and put in the work to get better, on and off the court,” said Fields
Both Odums and Fields have been pivotal in Madison’s early success this season. Their powerful hits and strong leadership are integral to the Marlins’ ambitions for a deep playoff run. For these talented underclassmen, volleyball is more than just a sport; it’s a way to showcase their skills, build teamwork, and achieve their athletic goals.
As the 2024 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Odums and Fields to see if their contributions will lead the Marlins to new heights and a successful postseason.
About Maci Odums:
Class: 2026
IG: @macio_2026
Twitter: @macio_2026
Position: Setter, Outside Hitter
Height & weight: 5-feet-7, 135 pounds
Players she studies: Ella Swindle (the University of Texas), Madison Skinner (the University of Texas)
Status: uncommitted
Favorite artists: Rod Wave & Maverick City Music
Favorite subject: Psychology
About Coryn Fields:
Class: 2027
IG: @corynfields.vb
Twitter: @bigblocksryn
Position: Middle, Pin Hitter
Height & weight: 5-feet-9, 135 pounds
Players she studies: Ella Swindle (the University of Texas), Reagan Rutherford (the University of Texas)
Status: uncommitted
Favorite artist: Jhenè Aiko
Favorite subject: Algebra
