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.”
