Moriah Hodge Reflects on Experiences Through Basketball

University of Tampa senior forward Moriah Hodge first started playing basketball with her sister in the first grade.

She played at Glen Este High School in Ohio where she was a four-year letter winner. She realized well before that she had the skills to play at the collegiate level. "Back in the fourth grade I told my mom it was my dream to play in college and that I was going to do it."

She played her first collegiate seasons at Indiana State University before transferring to the University of Tampa alongside current Spartan teammates Illyssa Vivo and Sadie Oyer.

As a junior with the Spartans, she started all 27 games averaging 10.6 points and 6.1 rebounds. She led the team in blocks (25) and steals (44). She recorded a career high 27 points against North Alabama and a career high five blocks against Lynn.

In 17 games this season, she currently ranks second on the team in scoring at 12.2 points per game. She also averages 5.3 rebounds and has tallied 34 assists, 11 blocks and 30 steals. While starting all 17 games, she has scored in double figures 11 times this year.

She was named to the 2012-13 Capital One Academic All-District Women's Basketball Team for District 5, selected by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).

Choosing UT was simple for Hodge. "UT has much more to offer than other schools. Coach (Tom) Jessee, Coach Cait (Caitlyn Mitryk), and Coach (Tommy) Jones are the three best coaches you could ask for. They have never let me down, and I know I could go to them for anything."

She enjoys playing volleyball, specifically sand volleyball, but her first passion has always been basketball. "Volleyball is fun to play, but basketball is where it's at.

She defines her position and role on the team as this: "Small forward. My job is to be a leader and lead my team to success through examples of working hard and doing all I can do for my team."

Her favorite memory at any level came this season when the Spartans started off 10-0. She led the team in scoring in five of those victories.

"The most exciting thing about this season has been meeting my new teammates and creating friendships with them that I will always keep, along with breaking UT's record of most consecutive wins and all the memories that came along with those wins."

The Spartans have been steady all season long and Hodge credits head coach Tom Jessee for making her not dread going to practice. "Coach Jesse makes me look forward to practice. I never drag about going to practice because I know something is going to happen that will make my day. He also expects a lot out of me which makes me strive and meet my high expectations for myself."

The Spartans are lucky to have Hodge's talent and passion on and off the basketball court. Her favorite part of the game is "Feeling absolutely exhausted after a tough win and knowing we got the job done."

Hodge said when it's all set and done she would like to be remembered as "a hard worker and great teammate to be around." She credits her team and family at helping her succeed up to this point as "they motivate her to be all she can be."

She has a bright future ahead of her in the field of business management, but wants to stay an active part of the UT basketball community. "In five years I picture myself a successful individual in the work force. I do not think I will continue physically playing basketball, but will definitely stay up to date with it. I will also be seen at all the women's basketball games here at UT because I plan on sticking around in Tampa and watching my lady Spartans continue their success!"

Written By Jake Perper