Off the court, Ogletree has demonstrated the importance of staying involved in the community. | Photo courtesy of Caitlin Ogletree
This piece about UH volleyball player Caitlin Ogletree was submitted by The Daily Cougar reader, her sister Erica Ogletree.
Volleyball became a huge part of sophomore Caitlin Ogletree’s life at a very young age. I remember when she would go to sleep in middle school and wake up with a volleyball right next to her pillow.
In high school, her team advanced the farthest in the program’s history. She had 1,094 assists and 136 aces in one season, in addition to 344 digs, 167 kills and a hitting percentage of 43 percent as a junior.
Caitlin finished her high school career as a three-time participant in the Junior Olympics. She received many honors: District Newcomer of the Year as a freshman, 2009 Most Valuable Player in Montgomery County, 2010 Houston VYPE Five Star Athlete, Setter of the Year and Montgomery High School Player of the Year as a senior, All-State (twice), All-County Freshman of the Year, All County Setter of the Year (three times) and was ranked as a top-50 player in the nation.
Her first year on campus, Caitlin started off the school year right with a highlight season. She led the team in service aces and assists as the Cougars’ starting setter.
From left to right, Colby, Caitlin and Erica Ogletree pose following a UH volleyball win last season. | Photo courtesy of Caitlin Ogletree
Caitlin started in 29 matches and 114 sets. She finished third-best on the team with 234 digs and was named to C-USA All-Freshman Team after being awarded C-USA Setter of the Week four times.
Volleyball is not the only activity she participates in at the University of Houston — she also is involved with many different organizations throughout the campus.
“I met Caitlin last year during treatment,” said redshirt sophomore Bryce Redman. “At an instant, I knew she was unique and does her own thing. She does not care about what other people think. I admire the way she holds herself together with anything that comes her way.”
Chuck Schneider coached Caitlin in Club Volleyball (Texas Tornados and Houston Juniors) and has been coaching volleyball for 20 years. He started coaching her when she was a junior in high school.
“She led the court of upperclassmen to seventh place in the 18 Open Nationals Tournament. She adapts well to things and does what a coach wants,” Schneider said.
As the team’s starting setter in 2011, the College Station native led the Cougars in service aces (30) and assists (1,215), while appearing in 29 matches, 114 sets and recording eight matches of 50 or more assists. | File photo/The Daily Cougar
“She is really smart, has great court sense and is a tremendous communicator on and off the court. All of her teammates respect her because she can command the court and run an offense, no questions asked. If anyone were to ask me about her, these words come to mind: desire, drive, heart and determination.”
During a home volleyball game Friday against the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners, Caitlin was standing on the sidelines cheering on her teammates as usual, when band members, Coog Crew and other select fans began chanting “Put Caitlin in, we want No. 1!”
She makes an effort to talk to everyone, opens doors for people and if she sees someone who she feels needs help, she is the first one to come to the rescue. We all know we can count on her and when you need a prayer or a pick me up, she is the person to go to.
I have never experienced anything like this at a collegiate sporting event. It is no surprise as to why many look up to her, and see her as a role model.
