Portage High School senior Haley Hodges became the first PHS student-athlete this year to ink her National Letter of Intent on Nov. 15 when she officially committed to continue her softball career at the University of Southern Indiana. Hodges verbally committed to USI last spring.
The Indians’ catcher, who has played varsity since her freshman season, was an All-State First Team selection and Duneland Athletic Conference co-MVP during her junior season. She hit .493 with five home runs and 26 runs batted in.
After attending a camp at USI, Hodges knew she found a perfect fit.
“I really loved the players, I really loved the coaches and everything just kind of fell into place,” she said.
The commitment alleviates pressure and stress for her senior season knowing that her future for the next four years is set.
“It’s awesome knowing that I won’t have to stress out about my selection or trying to get a spot at school,” Hodges said. “I can just focus on doing my best again this year.”
The Large Group Instructional room at PHS was filled with teammates, fellow athletes, coaches, administrators, family and friends as Hodges signed her National Letter of Intent.
“This should be a great example for all of the younger people in the building of how to take care of goals and all that good stuff,” head softball coach Lisa Hayes said.
Hayes, who was very emotional during the signing, also played at Southern Indiana. During her playing career, the Chesterton High School graduate was a catcher. The similarities between Hayes and Hodges have led to a special bond between the player and the coach.
“It’s nice because I know she knows exactly what we’re going through,” Hodges said. “She’s been there, done that. It’s cool because she can always help me out.”
Hodges took up golf this fall for the first time. The secondary sport allowed her to make friendships and simply have fun.
“I think everybody that knows Haley knows her hard work, how she treats people, her work ethic, that sums it up,” head girls golf coach Tim Kunstek said. “She is one of the hardest working athletes in this school, and it shows. I think we could all take something from Haley and learn from it. If we want something bad enough and we set that goal high, you can achieve it. Athletics is just one part, she’s a phenomenal person and that’s what I’m proud of.”
Hodges’s father Jay said that they went to about 10 different college camps last year, sent out lots of emails and contacted lots of coaches. He encouraged other athletes to “go out and make sure lots of coaches see you.”
Hodges already has the itch to get her senior season underway.
“I’m just looking forward to getting it going,” she said. “I want to play so bad. We’re going to be really awesome this year since nobody graduated and everybody is a year older, a year stronger and more mature. I just want to get it rolling.”