Hall of Fame
As a defender, Abby Odom’s name did not fill up the stats sheet, but her tenacity, talent and leadership as a three-year captain helped transform Embry-Riddle women’s soccer from a fledgling 2-15 program in 1998 into a nationally prominent program by 2002. Odom earned a spot in the starting lineup as a freshman and held on to her position as a central defender throughout her four-year career from 1999-02. During that span, she helped lead the Eagle women to a 54-24-3 record, back-to-back Florida Sun Conference and Region XIV titles in 2001 and 2002 and two trips to the NAIA National Championship.
Although her primary role on the team was a central defender, Odom was a versatile player and a tireless competitor whose speed and skill served to both thwart attackers and wreak havoc on a team’s defense. She was fifth on the squad in scoring as a sophomore with four goals and four assists, while anchoring a defense that allowed only 15 goals in 19 games.
Odom was a four-time All-Conference honoree and was named to the All-Region team three times. After earning honorable mention All-America recognition in 1999 and 2000, Odom was named to the All-America second team in 2001 and closed out her career as a first team All-American in 2002.
Odom also excelled in the classroom, earning Academic All-Conference and NAIA All-America Scholar Athlete honors. The only student-athlete in women’s soccer history to have her jersey retired, Odom currently works as an Air Traffic Controller in Jacksonville, Fla.
“On and off the field Abby was a winner, a friend and teammate. She wore a beautiful smile and had a fantastic sense of humor. She always showed up to preseason as one of our fittest players. She never complained. At times she played through immense pain. She led our team in a way that few captains could. The Northwest Player of the Year came to a school she had never heard of and led her team to two national championship tournaments. She was modest and polite and she would be the last person on earth to ever tell you that she was a four-time All-Conference player or a two-time All-American.
Dan Blank
Embry-Riddle Head Women’s Soccer Coach (1998-06)
“ 'Odie’ was blessed with natural speed and more importantly the desire to win. She was a natural leader on and off the field and her contributions to the lockerroom were immeasurable. I think her presence and actions brought out the best in her teammates, the coaching staff and her opponents. I also respect her humble attitude towards her success and deserved accolades while she was at Embry-Riddle. Throughout her entire career she proved that she could consistently perform at a championship level. She never turned it off during training and was a brave warrior on each and every game day.”
Mike Cole
Embry-Riddle Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach (1998-04)
“Abby and I joined the team in 1999. She was my roommate our freshman year and the moment I met her I knew she was a very special person. Abby worked very hard on the field and in the classroom. She is such a nice person and will always lend a hand if you are in need. Abby is someone that I and all the other alumni love dearly.”
Lisa Lundgren
Embry-Riddle Women’s Soccer (1999-02)
