Georgia Gwinnett Team Page
Chase Hodges will tell you that his success should be attributed to all of his players. However, it is tough to ignore the fact that Hodges continues to put out highly successful programs year after year. He currently has his men's team ranked #1 in the NAIA while his women are ranked #2. In a recent poll, his men's program was projected in the top 25 in the nation for all programs in the USA (Division 1 included). I had the opportunity to sit down with Hodges recently to ask about his keys to success.
TT:
What is the main reason behind all of your success during your 18 year career?
CH:
I would have to say that I'm fortunate to have very strong contacts throughout the world. Luckily, my contacts and I have maintained great relationships which have enabled me to recruit very high level players.
TT:
You coach both the men's and women's programs at GGC. Prior to GGC, you were the head men's tennis coach at Division 1 Drake University and Georgia State. How is coaching two programs compare to one?
CH:
Prior to Drake and Georgia State, I was the head men's and women's coach at two schools (UNC Asheville and Longwood University) so I was fortunate in that I had experience doing both. It is definitely more difficult coaching two programs than one as it is impossible to coach 12 matches at one time when both teams are playing. In addition, you have to recruit for two teams so it makes things more hectic but I enjoy it. Luckily, I have had good assistant coaches to help on a daily basis.
TT:
You started the GGC tennis program from scratch as the school launched an athletic department in 2012. Are you suprised by the success that the programs have experienced so early?
CH:
Yes and no. I was confident that we would be successful early on. However, I don't think that I could have imagined that we would be at the level that we are at now. Both programs have great opportunities to win national championships on an annual basis and that is something that not many programs can say throughout the United States.
TT:
You have been selected as the national coach of the year 5 times throughout your career. What is it that makes you a great coach?
CH:
First of all, I'm still a work in progress and can get better on certain things. I think that I just have not let success get to my head. As I have gotten older, I have come to realize that my success does not define me as a person. The way that I treat people will define me. There are a ton of great coaches out there that are better than me in many areas. I will give myself some credit and say that I have always been strong at recruting top talent and motivating my players to peak at the right time. Other than that, I feel that my players are the true reason for all of my success.
TT:
How would you describe your coaching style?
CH:
I am a player's coach. It's that simple. I rely on the communication from my player's to get the most out of them. I don't stick to some rigid gameplan and am willing to deviate from the script if neccessary for the betterment of the team. I also have a strong desire to win and be successful. I'm not sure that there are many people out there that are more competitive than me. I love competiton but everyone knows that competition is more enjoyable when you are winning and getting results.
TT
Finally, what is the goal for your teams as we approach the final part of the season?
CH:
That's the easiest question you have asked....a national championship will always be the goal!
Article credit:
Tyler Thompson