When Baylee Bodily graduated from Corner Canyon High three years ago her pathway to play for Utah State seemed pretty clear. That is, until a coaching change derailed her plans and opened up her recruiting again. She found a spot with Weber State where Ogden quickly became a comfortable new home and she has been an integral part of a program that has multiple Big Sky championship teams and earned three rings.

As a freshman, Bodily played middle blocker for the Wildcats and became the team’s second-best hitter and top three in blocks.

“Baylee earned her spot,” said WSU head coach Jeremiah Larsen. “She didn’t start right away— it was about seven matches into the season—but she earned the right to be on the court and got better in blocking as the season progressed.”

“It was a really good year, and I learned so much from the seniors,” she said. “Being a freshman and being able to play was such a cool amazing experience.”

During Bodily’s sophomore year, she continued playing in the middle for Weber during a rebuilding year of sorts, and then Larsen moved her to opposite hitter this past season where she became the second-leading attacker for the Wildcats. “Taking Baylee from where she’s most comfortable to a new position really shows how willing she is to do anything to help the team,” Larsen said. 

The 2023 season culminated in a Big Sky championship where WSU defeated three of the top teams in the conference in the postseason tournament. “That was probably the coolest thing,” Bodily said. “It was so amazing to see all the hard work we put in come through during the season as we were able to push through so many setbacks and be gritty and determined. It was such a great accomplishment and we did it all together. The coaches were amazing and put so much time and effort into us. It was one of the best experiences of my life for sure.”

The daughter of Craig and Erin Bodily of Draper has been leaving her mark all over the court for the Wildcats during those past three seasons, recording 589 kills, 242 blocks, 174 digs and 59 aces.

“Baylee came in with real high energy so when things were good they were really good, but when things weren’t good it was tough,” Larsen said. “She has really matured into a competitive mentally sound young woman who can handle more adversity now. And that maturity has been a big part of our success these last few years.”

“Watching Baylee go from a 10-year-old in rec ball to competitive club teams to making the high school varsity team at CCHS to playing in one of Utah’s most successful programs at a high level has been a joy to her parents,” her mom Erin Bodily said. “She often was told that she was too small, not a big enough blocker or a typical hitter to play at a higher level, but she always believed she could play at the next level so she didn’t listen and got to work.”

Volleyball has been a big part of Baylee Bodily’s life for years and while she has grown and developed in the sport, she has also been taught so much more about herself on and off the court. “I love competing,” she said. “I love being challenged. I love pushing through the hard. I’ve pushed through so many hard things—emotionally, mentally, physical, spiritually. I’ve grown in so many ways and I wouldn’t be who I am today without going through the really hard times. It’s made me who I am. I’m so grateful for all the hard times; it just makes all the great bittersweet moments so much more fulfilling. And I love doing all of this with the people that I love.”

For Baylee Bodily’s senior season this fall, Larsen said she will be taking on even more of a leadership role within the Weber State squad as the team looks to replace two All-Conference players. “With who we have returning and the class we have, we like our chances this year,” Larsen said. 

“I want another ring and Big Sky Conference championship title,” Baylee Bodily said. “I want another trophy and I want it with my teammates and I want it with my coaches and so that’s the goal we’re all working towards. I’m super stoked and so excited for this last year.”

“We can’t wait to see what the Wildcats achieve this season,” said Erin Bodily. “But the relationships Baylee has gained, graduating debt free and starting her master’s program have pushed beyond anyone’s expectations.”

Baylee Bodily feels that “the stars aligned” for her to end up at Weber State. “I know I was meant to go here and it all worked out,” she said. “I’ve literally loved my experience and time here.”

“Baylee’s journey to Weber State was a little curved, but we got pretty lucky to get her,” Larsen said. “She’s been a wonderful player for us.” λ