Bryce Odegard, a 2018 graduate of Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS), is a name that holds weight in the halls of his alma mater. His athletic achievements, leadership roles, and academic accomplishments have earned him a lasting place in the school’s legacy, and this year, that legacy was officially recognized with his induction into the PVHS Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Now residing in South Carolina with his wife, Josie, and their growing family, Bryce reflects on the impact PVHS had on his life and what the future holds.
After leaving PVHS in 2018, Bryce attended the College of Idaho, where he ran competitively for two years. Although he left competitive running behind after 2020, the experience had a lasting impact on his life, shaping his career and personal aspirations. During this time, Bryce also met his wife, Josie, and together they have built a life in South Carolina, where they now live in her childhood home in Inman. The couple welcomed their first child, Brooks, in June 2023, and are expecting their second child, a daughter, in late October.
Although Bryce didn’t finish his bachelor’s degree right away, he earned an associate’s degree in general studies and is currently working toward his bachelor’s in business. His career took an unexpected but fulfilling turn when he took a position managing two running stores under the “Gotta Run” brand in the Clemson area. “I grew up going to Red Rock Running Company, and it had a huge impact on me,” Bryce said, explaining how his early passion for running led him back to the sport. Although the job came with a pay cut, Bryce embraced the opportunity for personal fulfillment. “It was a mental health decision at the time—I wanted to do something I was passionate about,” he shared. His dedication paid off, and Bryce quickly moved into a leadership role as the area manager, overseeing the stores.
While Bryce has built a life in South Carolina, his heart remains tied to Pahrump. His recent Hall of Fame induction brought many memories back to the surface, including his standout achievements on the PVHS track and cross-country teams. During his high school years, Bryce won three state championships: one in cross country, the 800-meter race, and the 1600-meter race. In addition to his individual accolades, Bryce helped lead his teams to multiple regional championships, including a team title in track during his junior year and in cross country during his senior year. “Winning state in cross country my junior year was a huge turning point for me,” Bryce recalled. “It set a new standard, and there was no going back.”
One of Bryce’s most cherished memories from high school was setting the region meet record in the 4×800 relay during his senior year. What made the moment even more special was the team’s lineup: Bryce ran the race with his younger brother, Grant, and two of his best friends, Layron and Michael Sonerholm. “It was one of those moments where everything just came together. We didn’t expect to set the record, but we did, and to do it with my brother and closest friends made it unforgettable,” Bryce shared. The record still stands today, a source of pride for Bryce and his teammates, who remain in touch and reminisce about the accomplishment.
Beyond athletics, Bryce was a leader at PVHS in other ways. He served as class president for three years—during his freshman, sophomore, and senior years—while also participating in student council and the National Honor Society. Academically, he graduated with honors, and he credits several key teachers for helping shape his work ethic and intellectual curiosity. “Mr. Larssen, who taught AP English, was one of the toughest teachers I had, and his class had a huge impact on me,” Bryce noted. “Even after six years of college, I’ve never had a writing class as difficult as his.”
Bryce also built lasting relationships with other influential figures during his time at PVHS, including his father (Jason Odegard), who was a constant source of motivation and accountability, and coaches like Coach Rieger and Coach K, who guided him in cross country and track. He also mentioned Steve Nygaard, whom he assisted as a teacher’s aide and who provided mentorship beyond academics. “Nygaard was like a life coach to me. We would always talk about life, performances, and everything in between,” Bryce shared.
Reflecting on his induction into the PVHS Hall of Fame, Bryce expressed a deep sense of pride and gratitude for the recognition. For him, the honor goes beyond simply celebrating past achievements—it acknowledges the lifelong connection he has to the school and community. “I grew up at PVHS—my dad was always at the track or in the basketball gym, and I was always with him. Being a Trojan was everything to me,” he said. “This Hall of Fame induction means a lot because it shows that the impact I had growing up still resonates today, and I hope it inspires the kids coming after me.”
Despite living away from Pahrump for most of the past six years, Bryce has remained connected to his high school friends and community. He and his 4×800 relay teammates still text each other on the anniversary of their record-setting performance, and social media has helped him maintain relationships with friends and former classmates. However, Bryce and Josie recently decided to move back to Pahrump, drawn by the strong network of friends and family they have in the area. “We’ve decided it’s best for our family to move back where I’m well-connected, and where we can grow as a family,” Bryce explained. He hopes to contribute to the community by getting involved in youth athletics and supporting PVHS’s sports programs, whether as a coach or a dedicated spectator. “I want to be at the games, at the cross-country meets—anything I can do to support the next generation of Trojans,” Bryce said.
Bryce’s return to Pahrump is also driven by his desire to provide his children with the same supportive community environment he experienced growing up. “I want my kids to grow up playing t-ball, basketball, and doing all the things I did right here in Pahrump,” he said. “It’s important for me that they have a similar upbringing in a community that nurtures its youth.”
Professionally, Bryce is exploring new opportunities in Pahrump, with job offers already on the table. He’s weighing positions, but regardless of where he lands, Bryce is confident that his impact will go beyond his job title. “My professional life is important, but I think my real impact will come from contributing to the community and supporting youth athletics,” he said.
As Bryce prepares to return to his hometown, he brings with him a wealth of experience, a passion for youth sports, and a desire to give back. His induction into the PVHS Hall of Fame is not only a recognition of his past achievements but a sign of the positive impact he will continue to make. For Bryce, the journey from PVHS to South Carolina and back again is a full-circle moment—one that highlights his dedication to his family, his community, and the values that have guided him throughout his life. As he looks ahead, Bryce is excited to begin this new chapter and contribute to the future of Pahrump in any way he can.
