Most older sisters tend to have makeovers and tea parties with their little sisters, but for freshman Samantha Odom and her sister, their childhood was a little different. Instead of painting their nails, and drinking tea Odom and her sister decided they were going to play basketball.

“I watched my sister play all my life and I wanted to be like my big sis and once I started playing, my love for the game just happened,” Odom said.

With her hair straightened, pump up music in her ears, and her mind to herself, Odom is ready for a game. Odom has some specific pre-game rituals that have to be maintained for every game.

“I usually don’t talk to people when I get into the gym because I get focused during that time. Something my select teammates always tease me about is before and after every first game of the day, I will only eat a chicken biscuit and we always pray before we step foot on the court,” Odom said.

For each game that she has, Odom goes out with the same traditions as well as the same reason and motivation.

“I definitely play for God all the way! I actually have this verse, 2 Timothy 4:7 that I remember before each game,” Odom said.

Her teammates have all agreed and have said that they show respect for her and love that she is a part of the team.

“She was awesome to play with! The level of talent and maturity that she obtains as a freshman is awesome,” junior Morgan Hancock said.

A typical day for Odom is very different than it is for other students, because basketball is what she live, eats, and breathes.

“There is straight conditioning for the first 45 minutes for select and 2 hours of basketball,” Odom said.

In her first year of highschool here, Odom has taken on the responsibility of a varsity starter for the Leopard basketball team. Being that it is her first year to play highschool she has opinions on both her school and select team.

“It was really unexpected to be a starter, but it’s an honor no doubt and I know that to keep the spot, I have to work twice as hard. And select ball is completely different. It’s a lot quicker and the competition is a lot stronger and harder. Practices are totally different too,” Odom said.

With her life consuming of basketball, basketball, and more basketball, Odom has some career decisions to make for the future.

“I’m working hard for a scholarship to a D1 school and it would be a dream come true to play in the WNBA and if I don’t, I would like to be a special ed teacher or a translator for deaf people. When I’m not on the court you will find me doing homework and being with my family. My life consists of God, family, basketball, and School,” Odom said.

So Odom has interests in other things besides basketball as well and other hobbies. Some people don’t know but, Odom is a great singer and dancer and her friends can oblige to that. So yes, basketball is her main focus but she does have other priorities as well but she does what she loves and that main thing is basketball.

“If I’m not playing basketball, I’m watching it,” Odom said.