Sandra Hodge

Sandra Hodge (born 1962 or 1963) is a retired basketball player who played for the University of New Orleans and Harlem Globetrotters. With New Orleans, Hodge played in 107 games during the early 1980s and had a top ten NCAA points record with 2,860 points. After playing basketball in Europe for a few years, Hodge became one of the first four women to join the Globetrotters. During her tenure from 1987 to 1993, Hodge played in over 300 games with the Globetrotters. Outside of Harlem, Hodge was drafted in the Women's American Basketball Association and American Basketball League but did not make the roster.

Early life and education

In the early 1960s, Hodge was born in Clinton, Mississippi.[1][2] As a child, Hodge played at the AAU Junior Olympic Games when she was eleven. During high school, Hodge was a forward for three years and had 1,538 points.[3][4] From 1980 to 1984, Hodge played college basketball at the University of New Orleans. During her time with New Orleans, Hodge appeared in 107 games and scored 2,860 points.[5] Her 2,860 points record remained in the top ten for the most points scored in NCAA history between the 1980s to early 2000s.[6] In 2019, her NCAA points record dropped to the top thirty.[7]

Career

In 1984, Hodge was drafted by the Atlanta Comets to play in the Women's American Basketball Association but did not make the roster.[8] From 1984 to 1985, Hodge played basketball in Europe from 1984 to 1985.[9] During this time period, Hodge was invited to try out for the Harlem Globetrotters in 1985. She officially became a member of the Globetrotters in 1987 and started playing with them in South America.[10] Her selection made Hodge one of the first four women to join the Globetrotters.[11]

After playing in over 300 games with the Globetrotters, Hodge ended her six and a half year career with the team in 1993. Before resuming her basketball playing career in 1997, Hodge was a high school coach and athletics head in New Orleans.[9][12] During the 1997 American Basketball League draft, Hodge was selected in the fourth round by the New England Blizzard.[13][14] While trying to gain a position on the Blizzard's roster, Hodge injured her hamstring and withdrew from training camp.[15]

Awards and honors

In 1989, Hodge's jersey was retired by New Orleans and she was inducted into the University of New Orleans Hall of Fame that year.[16]

References
  1. Berlet, Bruce (6 May 1997). "Blizzard extend link with UConn". Hartford Courant. p. C2.
  2. "Sandra Hodge". Allstate Sugar Bowl. Retrieved 18 May 2020.
  3. Downey, Mike (25 January 1991). "She Still Gets to Play Her Game--at a Trot". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
  4. Arnold, Van (10 July 1980). "Sportfolio...". Hattiesburg American. p. 11.
  5. "Division I Women's Basketball Records" (PDF). NCAA. 2020. p. 15.
  6. "Stiles Points: She's Now No. 1". Hartford Courant. 2 March 2001. p. C5.
  7. "Division I Women's Basketball Records" (PDF). NCAA. 2019. p. 11. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  8. Williams, Sarah B. (1984). "Women's American Basketball Association Official 1984 Media Guide" (PDF) (Press release). Columbus: Womens American Basketball Association. p. 16. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
  9. Berlet, Bruce (9 September 1997). "A Return to Serious Business". Hartford Courant. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
  10. Anthony, Tony (12 March 1992). "Practice Pays Off For Harlem Globetrotter". Daily Press. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
  11. Gillepsie, Jessica (4 March 2012). "Maddox excels as lone female". Orlando Sentinel. p. C7.
  12. Scurlock, Amanda (February 8, 2018). "The Harlem Globetrotters Showcases Black Girl Magic". Los Angeles Sentinel. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
  13. "History of the American Basketball League". The Association for Professional Basketball Research. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
  14. Rockne, Dick (May 6, 1997). "Abl Draft -- Reign Leaves Its Trade Mark -- Deals, Picks Make Seattle Team Quicker". Seattle Times. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
  15. Berlet, Bruce (September 16, 1997). "It's looking up for Davis". Hartford Courant. p. C2.
  16. "Sandra Hodge - Hall of Fame - University of New Orleans". University of New Orleans. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
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