Hard-working Frosh Worked His Way Up In Kailua Baseball
As a freshman, it didn’t take Brendan Odo long to win over his Kailua High School baseball teammates. With his hard work along the way, he also won over the program’s longtime head coach Corey Ishigo.
“Brendan is one of those kids who understands the process — and that to be good, you have to work hard,” Ishigo said of Odo, who entered the starting lineup late in his freshman season.
“He’s self-motivated. He’s not the biggest or the strongest; he just prepares well and works really hard to get the most out of himself.”
Odo, who will be a junior next semester, was a leader of a Kailua High team that went 13-6 this past spring. The team was one of the OIA’s youngest, but still finished as runner-up to Campbell in the league tournament.
Most recently, the Surfriders wrapped up American Legion League play. Although the team failed to make the playoffs, Odo had a productive summer season.
“I worked on my all-around game, but the bigger part was trying to become a leader,” he said.
Odo recently took time away from the baseball diamond to visit with MidWeek‘s Windward Islander.
What is your earliest baseball-related memory? I was 5 when I started playing. I remember at my first practice I was kind of scared, and I stayed inside with my parents a lot. After that first practice, I fell in love with baseball.
Who has had the biggest impact on your life? My dad (Grant). He always encourages me in school and with baseball. He takes me to the field every Saturday or Sunday (for extra practice) so I can get better. He’s the biggest part of my life.
What movie could you watch over and over? I don’t really have a favorite movie, but my favorite TV show would be Family Guy or Make Me Laugh.
Who is your favorite musical artist? Probably the Zach Brown Band. We listen to a lot of country (music) in Kailua.
What is your least favorite household chore? When I have to help my dad around the house, like with painting.
What website do you go to the most? Probably Instagram.
What would be your ultimate car of choice? A Lamborgini. They’re pretty nice.
When you have some free time, how do you spend it? I play video games on Xbox the most. If I’m not doing that, I’m probably working out, watching television, or doing something with my friends — like going to the movies or the beach.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? I hope to be in either the (baseball) minor or major leagues, if all goes well. If not, I’d like to get a job as an electrical engineer. In my downtime, I would like to help (coach) at Kailua.
Let’s say you’re stuck on Kaho’olawe and can have an endless supply of just one food. What would it be? Sushi.
Given the chance, what historical figure would you most like to meet? Thomas Edison.
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