Baseball's Vander Hodges Signs with UCCS

Baseball's Vander Hodges Signs with UCCS
June 2, 2022

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Allan Hancock College baseball's primary shortstop, Vander Hodges, has signed to continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Colorado (Colorado Springs) next season.

"I chose UCCS because the school is great, both academically and athletically. After being able to meet with the coaches and check out the campus, I knew that the school would be a great fit for me," Hodges stated. "Being back home is also a huge bonus. The opportunity to play in front of my family and friends is special. Coach Hajek is a great coach and I can't wait to get to work with him and the rest of the team." 

Hodges recently completed his second season with the Bulldogs last month. The Colorado native closed the season with a .294 batting average and led the team with 10 doubles after registering 35 hits. Hodges, who also tallied 21 RBIs and 23 runs, was tabbed as a Second Team All-Conference selection as a utility player. Last season, the ThunderRidge High School alum saw action in a total of 18 games in the field and on the bump, where he secured three wins on the mound and registered 23 strikeouts after tossing 32.2 innings.

"My time at AHC was a huge blessing. I was able to not only grow as a ball player, but also as a young man as well. Coach Stevens taught me many things that will carry throughout my life beyond my baseball career," Hodges added. "I want to thank Coach Stevens, Frapart, Nickason, Walker, and Eddie for their countless hours on and off the field to get me and the rest of the guys to where we are now. I would also like to thank all the AHC staff involved behind the scenes that make it all happen off the field. Because of my time here, I am prepared to take on my next chapter at UCCS. Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog!"

UCCS is a Division II member of the NCAA and competes in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.