CARL JUNCTION, Mo. — Carl Junction High School has announced the appointment of Ryan Odaffer as the new head girls basketball coach.
Previously, Odaffer served as Carl Junction High School’s boys basketball coach from 2008 to 2012.
After stepping out of administration with a return to the classroom, Odaffer’s journey has come full circle as he takes the reins of the girls basketball program.
Odaffer’s coaching experience spans various age groups, and he has also organized multiple skills nights to nurture player development.
Odaffer noted he’s thrilled and ready to dive back into the coaching circle, determined to build on the program’s recent success and propel it to even greater heights.
“I have always had a passion for great basketball, and one way I wanted to give back was to try and develop younger players in the Carl Junction School District,” Odaffer said in a press release. “I had no clue that I would one day get the chance to coach these kids when they got to high school. The timing seemed right, and I am really excited for this upcoming season.”
Stepping into a program with a rich history, Odaffer is well aware of the achievements of his predecessor, Brad Shorter, who led the team to multiple conference and district championships and this year’s state runner-up finish.
“Shorter is a class act and has put this program in amazing shape,” Odaffer said. “My hope is to continue that legacy in the way this program has competed, and the way Coach Shorter carried himself.”
Odaffer’s basketball background is impressive. He began his playing career at Labette County High School in Altamont, Kansas, where he led his team to a state runner-up finish and was honored as the 4A Player of the Year and a top five All-Class/All-State player.
Odaffer then continued his basketball journey at Pittsburg State University from 2000 to 2005.
He was an assistant boys basketball coach in Webb City before taking over the head coaching duties in Carl Junction.
During the current school year, Odaffer had the opportunity to coach his own daughter as the Carl Junction junior high 7th grade coach, stating, “It’s been great to have had the last eight years to watch my own kids play.”
