Shaler grad Agbale brings strong body of work to Shippensburg

By: Josh Rizzo
Thursday, July 11, 2019 | 7:45 PM

Oyinda Agbale wasn’t one of the students who thought health class was funny. While some students snickered at the topics typically discussed, Agbale became interested and found a career path.

Agbale, a 2019 Shaler Area graduate, will have a busy freshman year at Shippensburg. Adjusting to playing volleyball at the Division II level will be tough enough. Tackling all of the courses which come along with pursuing a pre-med path only add to the challenge.

“I knew what I was getting myself into,” Agbale said. “I am going to be really focused and am willing to sacrifice. I know there are times I will be up studying material I need to learn instead of sleeping.”

Agbale said she started being interested in medicine in eighth grade.

“I love health care and the medical field,” she said. “I’ve always been interested in anatomy and how the body works.”

Agbale was selected to the first-team all-section as a middle hitter and will be joining a strong program at Shippensburg. The Raiders went 25-8 last season, including a 14-4 mark in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference, and reached the first round of the NCAA Division II Tournament.

Agbale said she will likely also play in the middle at Shippensburg.

“I’m definitely comfortable playing in the middle, but I’m open to change,” she said.

Adjusting to the speed of the college game will be another opportunity for Agbale to challenge herself.

“I want to read the ball better,” she said. “I want to work to drive forward and hit the ball.”

Shaler coach Paul Stadelman said he was fortunate to have her in his first season with the program.

“She was our No. 1 weapon offensively in the middle and was good on defense at setting up the block,” Stadelman said. “She had a knack for finding the ball and getting a big block. She also provided us with leadership.”

During Agbale’s senior season, Shaler showed major improvement. The Titans toppled Hempfield in the first round of the playoffs before falling 3-2 to second-seeded Baldwin.

Agbale led the team with 10 kills and six blocks against Baldwin.

“I think she has a high ceiling,” Stadelman said. “The biggest challenge for her will be seeing the opportunities in front of her and running with them. She will have a chance to play with other players at her level and play at that tempo.”

Tags: Shaler