"What is it about Chase Hodges (the person) that makes him successful?"
KK- In my opinion, his best quality is his desire to win. It does not matter on what he is competing. He just wants to win. He would do anything he needs to do to win. That's something incredible important because most people would say that they like winning but they don't as much as Chase. So, when things get tough, he will make it happen. However, other people won't.
"Based on your experiences and seeing other coaches, how does Hodges produce dominant programs on an annual basis?"
KK- As I stated before, his biggest quality is his desire to win. I think that is something you are born with. It is difficult to learn that. This intention to win is more than half of the work. It's what motivates him every day to keep looking for the best players around the world. Of course, once you have a great team and you keep winning then it is much easier to recruit but most people could just enjoy winning now and forget about the future. Eventually players would graduate and your team could become weak, but Hodges is on top of this. He is all over every player who is looking to go to college.
KK- Of course it can be continued and I'm sure he will find a way to keep it going! A normal person would think that at some point it has to end, but I don't see why it would have to. He has the best players, everyone wants the same, and we will all work to make it happen.
Gilad Berman from Israel also provided some added insight in regards to Hodges. His quotes are below:
GB- Chase is the best college coach I have had as I started at UNLV. He is a coach that makes you want to play for him. He is an incredible motivator and great person. He will help you with all that you need on and off the court to make you feel like you are home. I really enjoy playing here for the team because having Chase here to let you control your own game and just make the best out of it.
Chase is a great recruiter so he believes in every player he has and that provides great support in a match.
The Chase Hodges Factor is a consistent theme in the success of all the programs that Hodges has led. I asked Hodges what the main reason was for all of his success. His answer was profoundly honest and refreshing.
CH- I am an extremely competitive person in a very competitive industry. My success is based on wins and losses. The fact is that if I had not experienced the level of success that I have then we would not be doing this interview. I work hard and my players work extremely hard. The blueprint to success is not a "get rich" type scheme. My players put in the work on the tennis court and the weight room. The work that I put in is of a different kind. I'm constantly in touch with high level players and/or responding or dealing with certain issues which is a full time job in itself. But, the main thing is that I truly enjoy and love what I do. If I did not enjoy it, then I would do something else. At the end of the day, I'm blessed to get to wake up every day and have an impact in young people's lives. For me, there is no price tag on that.
After having the chance to meet and spend time with Coach Hodges, I would want to play for him. He has a unique quality about him that makes you want to win for him. Konfederak and Berman both mentioned that and I feel that may be the "difference" between Hodges and many of the others. You truly want to win for him. As the career of Chase Hodges continues, don't be surprised to see him continue to dominate the college tennis world.
Article written by: Mark Davidson