Nevada Preps Girls Athlete of the Week: Palo Verde’s Bradi Odom
By Alex Wright Las Vegas Review-Journal
Palo Verde’s softball team leaned on starting pitcher Bradi Odom in the region playoffs last week.
The junior right-hander came through. The Panthers are back in the state tournament as a result.
Odom earned complete-game victories in each of Palo Verde’s four playoff games last week. She earned the win in the Panthers’ 3-2 victory at Shadow Ridge on May 8 that clinched a spot in the state tournament and in their 10-5 victory Friday in the 5A Southern Region title game.
She was named Nevada Preps Girls Athlete of the Week for her efforts.
“I didn’t feel nervous. I knew my team had my back,” Odom said. “It’s a really nice feeling, almost like it’s a dream. I’ve never been this far before.”
Palo Verde opens the 5A softball state tournament against Spanish Springs at 2 p.m. Thursday at Bishop Gorman.
Let’s get to know this week’s girls athlete of the week. (Note: Answers have been edited for clarity and length.)
Nevada Preps: What’s been your favorite memory in your softball playing career?
Odom: When I hit my first home run. My brother was there to see it and he hasn’t seen me play in a long time.
NP: If you weren’t playing softball, what sport would you be playing?
Odom: I’d probably do track. Before I was OK at shot put, but I had to choose and ended up staying with softball.
NP: Do you have any game-day superstitions that you follow?
Odom: I try not to step on the chalk of the field because it can give the whole team bad luck.
NP: Do you have a go-to pregame meal or snack before a game?
Odom: I drink a Red Bull, the blueberry flavor, before each game. And sometimes I eat Goldfish before our games.