Anyone who has seen NIU outside hitter Brooke Dodson play has gotten their money’s worth.

The 5-foot-9 outside hitter not only sparks her team on and off the court, but also electrifies the fans.

She makes sure having fun is never overlooked by working hard.

“I’ve been told that I bring excitement to the court,” Dodson said. “Hard work and fun. A lot of people work hard and take the game too seriously. I make sure I always have fun.”

With NIU struggling to find a set lineup, every player including Dodson has spent her share of time on the court and the bench.

However, Dodson uses her time on the bench efficiently.

Whether it’s waving a towel enthusiastically or jumping around and cheering on her teammates, Dodson can’t be looked at as anything other than exciting.

“She brings a lot of energy,” NIU coach Ray Gooden said. “She makes showstopping plays when she’s out there. She makes just fabulous plays in the front row and the back row. Without Brooke, we are practically lifeless.”

Dodson has become one of the more popular players over the past two seasons. Signs sometimes find their way into the arena that are are directed toward Dodson.

“It’s a reward and a huge compliment,” the St. Charles native said of the signs. “It gives me a small taste of what the professionals go through. It always puts a smile on my face.”

Dodson recently has been forced to use her energy on the bench sidelined with a possible stress fracture in her left foot. She missed Wednesday’s game and is questionable for Saturday’s match against visiting Akron.

Dodson hasn’t always had as much fun on the court as she does now. She modeled her game after her high school coach Nikki Kozak, a former NIU standout who Dodson said inspired her.

While most players complain about lack of playing time, Dodson takes a professional approach toward it.

“Sitting on the bench isn’t fun, period,” Dodson said. “If you can’t be in the game, it doesn’t help to complain. I just try and keep everyone motivated.”

Over the summer, Dodson used her energy toward reaching one of her longtime goals. She was able to touch the rim on a regulation basketball hoop. The athletically gifted Dodson was able to do this by possessing a 30-inch vertical leap.

Excitement, intensity and energy all have been used to emphatically describe the junior outside hitter.

“That’s one of the key components to us winning right now is her energy,” middle blocker Alex Hofmann said. “I think it’s awesome that she brings that to us right now.”