Maci Odums spent her senior year leading in every sense of the word. The Madison High School volleyball captain helped guide the Marlins to a 14-4 district record, graduated as the Class of 2026 valedictorian and launched her own clothing brand before receiving her diploma.
For most high school students, accomplishing just one of those would be enough. For Odums, they became defining parts of a senior year built on discipline, leadership and faith.
“I balanced being a Valedictorian, a top athlete, and a business owner by using my sports and business as an outlet when I’m stressed about academics,” said Odums.
That ability to excel in multiple areas while maintaining a high level of performance has been consistently noted by her coaches throughout her high school career as Odums lead her team with 176 digs and 262 assists.
“Her greatest strength is her consistency,” said Madison volleyball coach Tiffany Lockhart. “She balances academics, volleyball, leadership, and her personal brand with maturity beyond her years. She leads by example and proves that pressure reveals preparation.”
That same drive eventually inspired Odums to pursue entrepreneurship.
The first time Odums wore one of her “Grateful” shirts to school, she wasn’t trying to launch a brand. She was simply testing an idea, but as classmates and teachers asked about the shirt throughout the day, Odums realized something unexpected: People weren’t just noticing the shirt; they were connecting with the message behind it.
That moment marked the beginning of “Grateful,” a clothing line Odums introduced as the first collection under Mpwred Merch.
“When I wore my Grateful shirt to school the first day, I was curious whether it would catch people’s attention,” said Odums.
Interest grew the following week when her friend, Aniyah Posey, wore one of the shirts, sparking curiosity among students and staff.
“I decided to wear the shirt because it caught my eye and stood out from other brands,” said Posey. “It was unique, and I wanted to support my friend as she represented something she worked hard to accomplish.”
The growing interest convinced Odums that the idea had potential.
“People started coming up to me, letting me know that they were interested in buying and that they really liked the idea of my shirt,” said Odums. “Even so, some people, like the coaches, were telling me that they would still want to contact me even after I graduated, which told me that this was really something that could be moved to the next level.”
Her desire to start a business stemmed from lessons her mother instilled in her throughout her childhood. From an early age, Odums was encouraged to think like an entrepreneur and to explore opportunities to create something of her own.
“It was important for me to instill an entrepreneurial mindset in Maci because the economy has changed and is constantly evolving, and I wanted her to have options to support her financial stability,” said Maci’s mother, Madelyn Odums. “Being an entrepreneur also fosters responsibility and independence, two important character traits of a successful young black woman.”
Inspired by those lessons, Odums launched Mpwred Merch in July 2025, with “Grateful” as its first collection.
“I chose grateful as the word for the shirt because it is underrated and so overlooked that many people don’t realize the blessings they have, hinting at the ‘24/7/365.’ It’s the idea of walking and believing the words we are wearing,” said Odums.
For Odums, the brand is rooted in faith and gratitude.
“Being grateful means being able to get through each day despite all the challenges and obstacles that come with it,” said Odums. “I still find a way to make each day positive and keep a smile on my face.”
“The message I hope people take away when they wear my apparel is to always maintain a relationship with God, because without him, nothing is possible,” said Odums. “Wearing this apparel is a way to express gratitude to the public and to maintain a positive outlook on life.”
Despite her success, Odums is quick to point out that she did not accomplish any of it alone.
“I chose grateful as the word for the shirt because it is underrated and so overlooked that many people don’t realize the blessings they have, hinting at the ‘24/7/365.’ It’s the idea of walking and believing the words we are wearing,”
Maci Odums.
“My family, along with my friends and my coaches, have been a huge support system for me,” said Odums. “From traveling across the country for volleyball tournaments to showing up for academic programs and celebrating my many achievements, knowing they are supportive makes me want to be the best version of myself.”
That support system has helped shape her success and character.
“Some things people may not see about Maci behind the scenes are her caring, supportive nature,” said Posey. “She’s always there when I need her, tries to understand others, and is a great listener who truly pays attention. She also has a kind personality that makes people feel comfortable around her.”
Those qualities, along with her work ethic and determination, have helped prepare Odums for the next chapter of her academic journey.
Unsure about her future in volleyball at the collegiate level, Odums will attend the University of North Texas in Denton in the fall. There, she plans to study kinesiology on a pre-med track to become a sports medicine physician.
As she prepares for college, Odums hopes her journey proves that students need not choose between athletics, academics and entrepreneurship.
“It’s possible to be a great athlete, a valedictorian, and an entrepreneur. If I can do it, so can they. With God, all things are possible.”
