Marshall Hodgen '17 Recruiting Profile

I started playing basketball at 4 years old at our local Boy’s Club.  Playing is a strong word.  It was more about instruction and learning the fundamentals of the game, dribbling, free throws, dribbling while running down the court, etc.  After a couple of years, I completely lost interest.  I spent the next several years playing football through a program at my school. 

When I was in 4th grade, my school started a basketball program.  My parents strongly urged me to give it another try.  I reluctantly went.  We went over the fundamentals again.  But this time was different.  It wasn’t just about technique or coordination.  Playing was coming from my heart.  This is when I discovered passion.

Over the last 7 years, basketball has taught me discipline and has increased my drive for self-improvement in all aspects of my life.  I started working at a very young age for my parents’ grain bin business.  By the time I was 14, I had a part time summer job working with the bin crews building grain bins in the Indiana heat.  Every summer I work with the company.  This experience has taught me the value of a good work ethic and I have no doubt I will carry this trait with me on and off the court for the rest of my life.

My freshman year of high school I was a starter for the JV team instead of playing for the freshman team.  I even had the opportunity to see some playing time with the Varsity.  This year, as a sophomore, I am a starting guard for the Varsity team.  Although the youngest on the team, I accepted the challenge and welcomed the opportunity to play along side my teammates who had more experience.  I have continued to learn from others and have become an even better player and leader on the court.  Fundamentals for basketball do not change.  Fundamentals can be taught.  But I have both a passion and an instinct for the game. 

My goal is to play basketball at the college level.  Although I am unsure of my major at this particular time, I am certain I want the opportunity for a college education.  I can and will use my work ethic and determination in my studies as I do the game of basketball.