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There is Only One: FBCA's Hodge Hopes 2022 has a Ring to It
AVERY HODGE ALREADY HAS ONE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP THIS SEASON.
She helped Fort Bend Christian Academy to the TAPPS 5A volleyball title in December. Her goal is another one. Winning a softball state title, however, would be different for the senior.
Volleyball is a hobby for Hodge. Softball is life.
“I’ve never won a State Championship for softball,” Hodge said. “In volleyball, it was the best feeling, and I don’t even play volleyball (year-round). So, watching the other girls’ faces who do play, like Bailey Hanner, it was a special moment. It probably meant more for her than it did for me, but for softball, it would mean so much for me.”
A State title would be a fitting way for Hodge, an Oklahoma-signee, to end a decorated high school softball career.
Last season, Hodge’s first with the Eagles, the rangy, speedy shortstop hit .762 with 48 RBIs and eight home runs. Incredibly, she did not strike out in 63 at-bats. FBCA won an undefeated district title and made it to the State Semis.
Hodge followed that up with a second stint with USA Softball’s Junior Women’s National Team in the fall.
“I like to have a lot of fun when I’m playing,” Hodge said. “I like to be goofy and have a good time. This isn’t a job for me. It’s something I love to do. Winning, of course, matters, but it’s also about playing together and enjoying our time together.”
Hodge has always been something of a softball savant. About seven years ago, Hodge’s club team played an elimination tournament game against a rival.
With Hodge’s team leading in the final inning and the rival up to bat with the bases loaded and one out, Hodge — at that time typically an outfielder — was moved to shortstop, replacing the starter who had moved to pitcher. It was one of the first times Hodge played shortstop.
“They hit a line drive to me, I caught it and got the double play at third,” Hodge said. “I’ll always remember that.”
How does she do it?
“I think it’s just my athletic ability and will to achieve at everything that I do,” Hodge said. “I want it, so I’m going to get it. That kind of drive.”
Fort Bend Christian Academy Magazine: Alumni Spotlight, Kendall Brown
KENDALL BROWN'S LIFE AT FORT BEND CHRISTIAN ACADEMY HAS OFFICIALLY COME FULL CIRCLE.
From being a player for the Eagles from 2010-2014 and winning a TAPPS State Championship in her junior season, to going on to play at the University of Houston until 2018. In the fall of 2020, Brown returned to FBCA to join Kelly Carroll's staff as an assistant coach for the softball team.
You see, full circle.
Learn more about the former Eagle player and now current Eagle coach.
VYPE: What's your fondest memory from playing softball at FBCA?
BROWN: Every year was special to me but when we won it all in 2013, it was such a good memory from start to finish. We had a lot of different personalities on the team and a lot of different types of players, but the way we were able to come together and win was special. The way we established the culture at FBCA, I can still see that as a coach that what we had going when we were there was special.
VYPE: Talk about playing at the University of Houston.
BROWN: It was awesome. I absolutely loved being there and playing for the school. Both my parents and both sets of grandparents went to UH, so we've got a lot of blood there. It was super special to get to step on the field with that jersey on. Being in my hometown was special. I wanted to be a Houston Cougar since I was a little kid and getting to live that out was really exciting.
VYPE: What's the experience been like being back at FBCA coaching?
BROWN: It's been super special and getting to coach with the ladies that coached me has been such a wonderful experience. To see the game from the other side and getting to coach these girls has been such a blessing. I have loved every second of it. To be at the school that has meant so much to me is icing on the cake.
VYPE: Now since you are a coach, what do you want to pass along to these players?
BROWN: I think just the respect for the game, for the school and for each other. Just loving the game, going out and working hard every day and being the best teammate and filling whatever role you are given. Yes, softball is important, but you are teaching more about how to participate in life. You teach them life lessons through the game of softball. I also want to instill pride in Eagle softball. We have had a lot of success in the past and it's a big deal to wear that name across your chest. So, to take pride in that, love your school, love each other, love your team and love the game.