OHIO CITY, OH - As the Saint Ignatius tennis community enjoys a restful and healthy offseason, the Wildcats are preparing for an exciting new chapter. Following a comprehensive search and interview process, Saint Ignatius High School is proud to announce the hiring of Eric Hodge as the program's next Head Tennis Coach.
Coach Hodge arrives with over 30 years of coaching experience, a USPTR professional certification, and a proven track record of developing competitive, mission-driven tennis programs. He currently serves as the Director of Racket Sports at Force Tennis, overseeing player development initiatives for athletes of all ages and skill levels.
Throughout his accomplished career, Coach Hodge has:
- Coached a State Champion
- Developed numerous state qualifiers in both singles and doubles
- Built a strong pipeline of players who have continued their careers at the Division I, II, and III collegiate levels
- Led and grown high school tennis programs for over two decades
- Created community-based tennis initiatives that expand access to the sport for players of all backgrounds
"What resonated most throughout the hiring process for us was his dedication not only to competitive success but to the formation of young men of character," says Athletic Director Rory Fitzpatrick '88. "Eric's coaching philosophy centers on fundamentals, daily improvement, sportsmanship, leadership, and core values that align closely with the Jesuit mission of Saint Ignatius High School."
Coach Hodge is eager to meet the team and begin preparations for the upcoming season. Additional information about offseason opportunities, winter training, and team gatherings will be shared with the student-athletes in the coming months.
