Beth Torina and her LSU coaching team have once again demonstrated their remarkable ability to spot talent by securing a game-changing transfer from the Oklahoma Sooners: Avery Hodge. We'll delve into Avery Hodge's move from the Sooners to the Tigers and the surrounding excitement about this transfer.
Avery Hodge's Journey to LSU
Coming out of high school in Texas, Avery was no stranger to big stages as she was ranked No. 6 prospect in the class of 2022 by Extra Inning Softball and No. 4 middle infielder by Extra Inning Softball. After spending two seasons with the Sooners and winning two national championships, she shares a connection with her former team at OU but expressed her eagerness to embrace a fresh challenge at LSU.
When I inquired about her transition from high school to the highly competitive Oklahoma roster, she responded with, "I think on my travel team we were very competitive. There were a lot of girls who went D1 to some really good schools. I think that really helped me be prepared for it. Um, it wasn't that big of an adjustment for me though. I've worked hard and I think that paid off a lot when I got to OU, and then having competitive people by my side only made me better."
While at OU, she briefly played in right field and at second base, mainly serving as a pinch runner. However, she was later given a more significant role during the postseason and the WCWS, where she made crucial contributions to her team's journey to a national championship. She commented on the opportunities "It was super exciting. I've been working for that moment, and when it finally came, I felt like I was prepared. I was excited and determined to help my team out".
What led to Avery deciding to transfer? She replied, "It came down to playing time. I was a pinch runner and had a couple of innings throughout the two years in right field and at second base. I'm really just ready to start my own journey." With the decision to transfer being made the question was what stood out about the LSU Tigers and Avery shared her thoughts with me.
Rekindling Camaraderie: The LSU Connection
Apart from the allure of LSU's program, Avery Hodge was drawn to the prospect of reuniting with former teammates from her travel ball days with the Bombers. She stated, "I played with three of the girls on the team on Bombers (Maci Bergeron, Abigail Savoy, and Maia Townsend). I still kept in touch with Maci and Abigail. That was a really big factor in it." Having previously shared victories and challenges with her newfound LSU teammates, Avery is not just joining a team but rejoining a close-knit family.
Regarding her visit, she said, "I just absolutely loved the visit there. I love the coaching staff, and my parents got to go. So, that was really fun." She will also have family nearby, as she says, "I have some family that is about an hour away." She added some additional thoughts on the coaching staff, "I really, really liked the hitting coach Bryce (Neal), and I really like that they have a slapping coach (Sandra Moton) as well because, you know, a lot of teams don't have that."
What will Avery's impact be on the Tigers
Given the departure of Taylor Pleasants, a legendary figure in the shortstop position, and Karli Petty, a respected leader at second base, where does the coaching staff envision Avery playing to fill the gap in the middle infield? Avery detailed her discussion with the coaches, stating, "They said that I would compete for a spot at short. I thought it was really nice to know Taylor Pleasants is going to be on the coaching staff. So, that'd be really cool for me to be coached by her."
Regarding the impact she can have on this LSU squad and her contributions, she made the following comment "I feel like I bring experience, I've gone to the World Series twice and have been a part of two national championships I feel like that will help. I feel like. leadership will be a big part of it." On what she brings as a player she states "being a triple threat, I feel like I bring a lot of energy. to the offensive side and being goofy all the time."
Avery Hodge's arrival at LSU signifies a new chapter filled with promise and potential for the Tigers' softball program. Coach Beth Torina has once again showcased her ability to attract top-level talent. Avery's skills, coupled with her experience at a competitive program like Oklahoma, are set to elevate the performance of the LSU team to greater heights.
In conclusion, with the transformation brought about by Avery Hodge's transfer, LSU Softball is on the brink of exciting times ahead. As fans eagerly await the next season, the blend of talent, experience, and camaraderie within the team promises a thrilling ride for all LSU softball fans.
A Personal Reflection
We discussed who has inspired her in her career and she said "Scott Smith, my head coach for Bombers has helped me a lot. Kelly Jacoby she was actually like one of my first travel ball coaches and my high school coach, and she's been awesome. Of course, my parents have been awesome throughout this whole journey." When I inquired about her goals, she admitted to having them but expressed hesitation in voicing them, maybe it is superstition. She did add, "I have lots of goals for myself. I have lots of goals for the team. You know, this program is very, very good and I'm very, very excited to get to work." She says in her free time "I like to go fish, hang outside and just enjoy time with friends and family.
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