Bill Odeneal
Bill Odeneal 
Full Name:  William Thomas Odeneal
     Born:  July 15, 1920, Montevallo, Ala.
     Died:  June 12, 1997, Dunedin, Fla.

Legacy Bricks:  Legacy Walk Map Link
   1985 Coach HOF - Loc 19


FSU Career
Coaches & Administrators

                     C


Member of the FSU Hall of Fame
Elected into the FSU Hall of Fame in 1985
A pioneer in the development of intercollegiate volleyball, Bill Odeneal became the nation's first full-time college coach at Florida State University in 1949. Dr. Odeneal's Seminole spikers were the nation's best in the fifties, winning three NCAA championships. The Garnet and Gold, under Odeneal's direction also claimed eight state AAU titles and many regional championships.

In addition to his coaching, Dr. Odeneal has written many articles about the sport and co-authored the book "Beginning Volleyball." He has served on many national athletic bodies and was a charter member of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament Committee. Bill Odeneal played a vital role in gaining national attention for the athletic program for the young Florida State University.

Obituary for William Thomas Odeneal

From the Tallahassee Democrat, June 16, 1997, page 23.

Dr. William Odeneal, 76, of Dunedin died June 12.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research.

A native of Montevallo, Ala., and a former resident of New Paltz, he was the author of several articles and texts involving volleyball. He taught in the Florida State University Department of Physical Education and Athletics for 14 years and was coach of several national championship volleyball teams. He has been voted into the FSU Athletic Hall of Fame.

Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Lucille Houde (Snow) of Dunedin; five daughters, Cynthia Zimmerman and Lisa Gizzie, both of Florida, and Valerie Pullman, Crystal Snow-Hebel and Dawn Snow-Ingrassia, all of New York; a brother, Taylor Woodrow Odeneal; two sisters, Olga Grubbs and Vivan Dunn, both of Birmingham, Ala.; and 10 grandchildren.

Moss-Feaster Funeral Home in Dunedin.



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