Head Coach Dave Hodge stands on the sidelines, his voice fierce but encouraging as the South Windsor High School varsity football team huddles around him.
For over 13 years, Coach Hodge has been more than just the voice on the side calling the plays, he’s been a mentor, a motivator and a pillar of the school community. His impact reaches beyond the field, shaping the lives of the players and students who’ve come to see him as a source of strength and guidance.
Hodge began his coaching career in 1988 as a defensive line coach at Central Connecticut State University. Since then, Hodge has held multiple coaching positions, notably at Weaver High School, where his team won 2 state titles (1996-1997) under his leadership. Hodge’s vast experience in coaching has allowed him to lead not only teams to success but also individual student-athletes.
When he joined the Weaver football program, the team was on a 5-year losing streak, this immediately changed under Hodge’s coaching. During the following years, the team had records of 3-7 twice and 8-3, followed by 2 state championship wins. In 1996, Hodge’s player, LaTroy Oliver won Gatorade Player of the Year, a notable achievement.
Although Hodge has much to be proud of, he continuously focuses on bettering himself as a coach and a person.
Coach Hodge is family-oriented, and enjoyed coaching his sons through the South Windsor Panthers Football youth program. Transitioning from coaching at the Sports and Medical Sciences Academy and Hartford Public High School to youth football was a challenge. Hodge emphasized the importance of determining which coaching styles his team thrives in. He found himself shifting his demeanor on and off the field and changing his communication tactics.
“One time I accidentally yelled at one of the kids, a 7-year-old, and he started crying. From there I had to learn how to speak and communicate better,” Hodge explained.
Coach Hodge joined the South Windsor football program in 2007, where he met Mr. Rich Mabey, who is currently the Offensive Line coach at SWHS. Before their time at the high school level, Hodge and Mabey focused on developing younger players.
Coach Mabey has known Hodge closely for 17 years.
“You could assume that Hodge, being a 2-time football state title champion, would be all about winning, but that is the farthest thing from the truth. While he does love to win, he puts the future of his players first, prioritizing ways to make them better players, sons, and even fathers for the future,” Mabey told The Prowl.
SWHS recognizes Coach Hodge for his dedication and passion for coaching. Hodge works tirelessly to ensure his teams are up to his and the player’s standards. Although football is his main focus, Hodge coaches indoor track and weight training in the winter, along with shot-put during the spring.
His coaching does not stop outside of school hours. Hodge provides his players with ample opportunities for improvement, scheduling team workouts and practices 4 days a week during the pre-season.
Hodge’s care for his players and students is unmatched. His nephew and All-State and Conference Player, Nathan Tenney would agree.
“Coach Hodge has been able to grow me as an athlete and also a person. Having him as a coach and uncle is one of the greatest parts of my life, as he pushes me through hardships and always challenges me to succeed, along with the rest of the team. He’s the reason I earned All-State [Conference Player] and is fully the reason for my love of football,” senior Varsity Captain, Nathan Tenney commented.
Senior Varsity Captain Ethan Burke acknowledges the impact Hodge has on players off the field. Burke did not play football until his junior year when he discovered his talent and love for the sport. Hodge had encouraged Burke to join the team, and he soon became the Bobcat’s leading rusher.
“Coach Hodge is the realest and most dedicated coach I’ve had. He would make sure to be up early every morning just so I could get a lift in during my basketball season, understanding how important it was to me. Personally, starting football only 2 years ago, Coach Hodge has picked me up under his wing and developed me into the player I am now. I’m excited for the rest of the season and [ready] to work hard for that playoff spot,” Burke told The Prowl.
Coach Hodge and the Bobcats have had a powerful start to the ‘24 season after a successful win over the Stamford Black Knights with a final score of 22-13. Hodge is confident in his team’s abilities and plans to lead the Bobcats to yet another playoff Berth.
“We have a good group of kids, and if we stay healthy, and keep working hard, we can get that playoff berth again,” Hodge told The Prowl.
