Sports

Dodd trades purple and gold for red, white and blue

Tech junior volleyball standout Cody Dodd has been selected to participate in the U.S. Collegiate National Team program at the USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships taking place June 21-29 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The Cookeville native received an email from USA Volleyball Senior Directory of Events and High Performance Tom Pingel congratulating her on a successful tryout, but at first glance, she was so taken back that she had to confirm with Tech volleyball head coach Dave Zelenock of the potentially big news.

"I just think it’s crazy because I never thought it was actually going to happen,” said Dodd. “I never thought they would even look at me because I didn’t think I was as good as the other girls.”

Zelenock initially shared in his right side hitter’s shock when he heard the news.

“I know she is good enough physically to play at that level, but anytime you’re dealing with a national team, there’s a lot of politics that go on,” said Zelenock. “I was just shocked that how physical she was came through and they didn’t penalize her for not having a big name across her jersey.”

Dodd is one of a just few players invited to the team who is not from a big-name program or conference. She will also be the lone OVC member playing with the team.

While Zelenock said he’s coached former All-American and current professional club players, Dodd’s achievement is right at the top.

“This is pretty big,” said Zelenock. “And not just for me but for our program and Tech in general. It’s a big deal for all mid-majors for a kid like that to get picked.”

Dodd says she will continue working out at Tech in preparation for the summer. She will head south June 21 to begin official training with the team.

After the training period, the 36 invited college participants will be divided into three teams to compete in a round-robin event from June 26-29, with a possible bracket addition to four teams that would compete from June 25-29.