Nov. 27, 2007
By Stephanie Libes, Athletic Communications Student Assistant
Volleyball seems to be a family tradition for the highly decorated Megan Hodge. What many people do not know is that her parents, who both played for the Virgin Islands National Team, did not influence the sophomore to take up the sport.
Hodge started playing volleyball in middle school at the age of 12. Once she started playing, she could not stop.
"My parents told me that if I didn't want to play then I should stop so I don't waste my time," said Hodge. "They just wanted me to be happy and if volleyball was what made me happy then they were 100% supportive."
With every season came another opportunity for Hodge to develop her skills as a player. In the fall she played for her school team; winter, spring, and part of summer she played for Triangle Volleyball Club; and at the end of summer she played with the USA Youth and Junior National Teams.
When it came to picking colleges, Penn State's campus, coaches and team all fit.
However, Hodge was not the only person excited about going to Penn State. The schools women's volleyball coach Russ Rose was very enthusiastic about Hodge's arrival.
"When Megan committed to Penn State I thought it capped off a great class of incoming players, and all of the players in that class are making great contributions," said Rose. "The fact that many consider Megan to be the top player in that year's class just gave us more reason for optimism."
Hodge capped off her freshman year with two major awards, Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Big Ten Player of the Year, but these honors have not inflated Hodge's attitude. She is the first freshman in the 23-year history of the Big Ten Conference to win the conference's top honor.
"It honestly didn't really run through my head as much as people probably thought it should have," Hodge said. "Don't get me wrong, awards are nice, but I didn't come here for that. I came here to win a National Championship. So both awards, however flattering, didn't do it for me because in the end the goal that our team made wasn't accomplished."
This outside hitter continues to work hard and to develop her skills in volleyball. Nevertheless, Hodge, a business management major, puts much of her energy into her schoolwork as well.
"Balancing class work and volleyball is not as bad now with a year under my belt," said Hodge. "I just have to make sure I plan ahead so I can keep up with schoolwork especially on travel weekends."
According to Rose, Hodge is a terrific example of the term student-athlete.
And where are Hodge's parents in all of this? They are her main support system.
"They're more of my outlet for me to express my feelings to people who really understand me and will give me a positive outlook without feeding me complete junk," said Hodge. "They have a way of telling me what I want to hear but also what I need to hear."
What does the future hold for Hodge?
After obtaining at least one National Championship, she hopes to play professionally overseas and to continue her volleyball career until it is not possible for her to play anymore.
According to Coach Rose this goal is not far fetched.
"I think as long as she is motivated and listens, that she will keep on developing her talents to the highest level," said Rose. "I would think that she could certainly play with the US National Team or professionally, if that is where her heart takes her."