Tyanna Hodges '26 Recruiting Profile

There was a time when a student said to me “I want to be like you when I grow up.” I was volunteering in a first-grade classroom through my school’s Teachers for Tomorrow program. That is when I knew I wanted to be someone worth looking up to.

From a young age, I’ve always been determined. Whether I was reaching for a goal, working with a team of cheerleaders, or working with a small group of school age children, I’ve always felt a sense of purpose in everything I do. I currently maintain a 4.1 GPA and have received numerous academic awards, but those achievements only tell part of the story. Behind every honor is a journey of balance, durability, and a passion to serve others.

As a scholar-athlete, I’ve learned to master the art of time management. Cheerleading is not just a sport to me—it’s a discipline that has shaped who I am. I’ve earned titles such as First Team All-State Cheerleader 2025, MVP, and Outstanding Athlete of Fall Sports 2024-2025, and I wear each of these honors with pride because I know what they represent: hours of conditioning, leading by example, supporting teammates, and pushing myself past limits I never thought I could surpass.

At the same time, my academics have always been a top priority. I am a member of the National Honor Society, which has not only challenged me to stay academically competitive but also emphasized the importance of character and service. Through NHS and personal initiative, I have accumulated community service hours—volunteering at food banks, cleaning up my neighborhood, and donating items to patients at the Breast Cancer Center in Chesapeake. Each experience has grounded me, reminding me that real leadership begins with service.

My passion for teaching is what ties it all together. Through the Teachers for Tomorrow program, I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer regularly in elementary classrooms. Watching young students light up when they understand something new is a feeling that never gets old. These hands-on experiences have confirmed that I want to pursue a career in elementary education. I want to be the type of educator who doesn’t just teach subjects, but teaches students to believe in themselves. I want to create a safe, fun, and inclusive space where children feel heard, valued, and inspired.

Balancing all of these commitments—school, cheer, volunteer work, and leadership roles—has not been easy. There are late nights, early mornings, and weekends packed with competitions or community projects. But I wouldn’t change it for anything. These experiences have taught me discipline, adaptability, and the importance of giving my best to every opportunity.

As I prepare for the next chapter of my journey, I am excited to attend college, not just to continue learning, but to grow. I want to challenge myself in new environments, meet mentors and peers who will inspire me, and take steps toward turning my dreams into reality. I know the road ahead won’t be easy, but I am determined to succeed—just as I always have—by staying focused, staying humble, and staying committed to being someone others can look up to.