Junior Toni Odujebe reached a rare and major milestone this month, recording her 1,000th career kill in the VolleyCats match against Lovett on Aug. 26, 2025. The outside hitter has been a crucial part of the volleyball team since her freshman year and has improved her skills tremendously over the past three seasons. 

“[Hitting 1,000 kills] felt like a great accomplishment and a big milestone in my journey,” said Odujube.

 Although Odujebe and the fans knew this milestone was coming, the VolleyCats were also playing in a crucial rivalry game making the final kill not one of Toni’s priorities.

“I knew it was coming, but I was so caught up in the rivalry game that I only realized I had hit 1,000 kills when my teammates started cheering,” said Odujube. “In the moment, it was exhilarating to be acknowledged and celebrated by my coach and teammates.” 

Although the VolleyCats ended up losing in a 5 set thriller to the now number one team in Georgia, Toni tallied 20 kills in that one game, in addition to leading the Wildcats in total kills this season. 

Although Toni makes volleyball look effortless, her journey has not just been triumphs. Odujebe didn’t make the seventh-grade Westminster volleyball team, but she kept practicing and working hard with the goal of making the eighth-grade team. She joined A5 Volleyball Club, the top-ranked club team in the nation, as a backup outside hitter and worked hard in practices, training, and conditioning. 

“By the end of the club season, I had the role of primary outside and was moved up to a higher-level team,” said Odujube. 

Even on days she didn’t feel like practicing or putting in the work, she pushed herself, because she knew it was the only way to improve and meet her goals.

“[Toni’s] a great, talented player with great teammates surrounding her who look up to her,” said Head Coach Jaime Maxey.

Maxey also added that Odujebe is on track to hit more milestones in her Westminster volleyball career, including breaking the school record for career kills. Toni’s hard work does not just take place on the court, as she is very active in the weightroom and as a leader.

“She works really hard and leads by example, and she’s in the gym six days a week to get where she is now.” 

When fans come and watch Toni, the first thing they notice is how high she jumps to be able to hit the ball with some much power. Strength and conditioning coach Eric Lougas stated that Odujebe’s explosiveness comes from all the time she puts in at the weight room. 

“She lifts after practice and games even though it’s hard, and that will pay off in the long run, especially in college,” said Lougus. 

As Toni’s teammates are first-hand witnesses of just how much work Toni puts in, they were just as excited and proud to see her reach this accomplishment. 

“When Toni hit her 1,000th kill the team had posters on the bench for her, and everyone was so proud,” said Sophomore middle blocker and outside Blanchard Farr. “She leads the team and is encouraging.” 

In addition to posters, Coach Maxey was also a part of the celebrations by surprising Odujebe with a t-shirt with a picture of Toni to congratulate her for all of her hard work. 

Odujebe said she’s focused on helping the team succeed this season as the VolleyCats enter the toughest part of their season, the region and state tournament. She added that she hopes to continue playing beyond Westminster.

“Yes, I would like to play at a collegiate level,” said Odjube. “Playing Division I volleyball is a big challenge to balance both academics and volleyball, but it’s so rewarding in the end.” 

Toni still has two more years as a VolleyCat, and will look to stay dominant to help reach her and the team’s goals. 

Edited by Isabelle Winarsky