Hodges chose Florida State because it has one of the best sports management programs in the nation and because of the program structure. “Florida State stood out to me because of their diverse career opportunities, ability to work with many sports teams, and because of a chance to make my talents and passion into a career. With its wealth of sports teams, Florida State offers me many exciting opportunities to pursue a career in sports management,” said Hodges.
Hodges’ interest in becoming a sports agent stems from his love of baseball and from being an athlete for the majority of his life. “I have valuable insight on how to balance sports and life. As a sports agent, I will utilize my communication and organizational skills to manage business relationships, and support the client athletes I represent,” explained Hodges.
Originally from Chesterfield, Virginia, Hodges came to Ferrum to live out his childhood dream of playing baseball at the college level, but he also thought the College would be a good fit for him as a student. “I felt that Ferrum would allow me to flourish as an athlete and a student. The College truly has a warm community feeling that I believe to be different from other schools. It is the lifelong friends that I won’t see on a daily basis anymore that I will miss the most,” said Hodges.
Head Baseball Coach Ryan Brittle knew Hodges to be a fantastic teammate. “He was always willing to be a positive voice in the dugout and was always willing to put the team’s needs in front of his own desires. He sets the example with his work ethic on the field and in the classroom. Bailey is an outstanding young man who has overcome many adversities in his life and will certainly carry what he has learned at Ferrum College into a bright future ahead,” said Brittle.
In addition to playing on the baseball team, Hodges was involved with the Ferrum College Student Athletic Advisory Committee on the Executive Cabinet and was also a personal trainer at the College’s fitness center. He was on the Old Dominion Athletic Conference All Academic Team and recently received the Outstanding Student in Sports Management award during the College’s academic awards ceremony in April.
Hodges encourages current and prospective students to “live your life ever forward.” “Always do more, always be more, strive to be great, inspire others and motivate others in anything you do in life. You must dream big to achieve big and always let your belief in yourself be greater than anyone else’s doubt,” he concluded.
