How I became your sports writer

Imagine realizing a dream you once had would be shattered in seconds. You didn’t realize it in the moment, but you knew the outlook wouldn’t be great. My name is Brandon Hodge and this is my introduction to how I became a sports writer.

Laurinburg is where I was born and raised. I’ve lived here my whole life. And growing up, especially in a small town, it’s difficult to find activities that catch your eye. For me, that was different. I started playing Parks and Rec soccer when I was four years old. If anybody were to ask me my first love, besides my parents, of course, it would be soccer. I played for 10 years and knew that was what I wanted to be when I grew up.

However, life sucks sometimes. But if it’s always great, then the downs can’t open up new doors for opportunities. The down for me was that I shattered my left kneecap and wouldn’t be able to play soccer anymore. That door smacked me dead in the face. However, the new door has led me here and I couldn’t be more grateful. But the decision for me wasn’t as easy as you may think.

When I couldn’t play soccer anymore, I struggled with what I wanted to do with my life. I loved meteorology as a kid and thought that was my new path to success. All the way until my senior year at Scotland High School.

I realized meteorology wasn’t my passion in life. It has, and always will be, sports. Sports is all I talk about, just ask anyone close to me and they’ll say the same. I love soccer however, sports as a whole is the real love for me. The togetherness and connection we all can have to one another just because of sports is awesome to me.

My senior year of high school was when I realized my passion was for sports media. Whether it’s broadcasting, writing, or talking, I crave it.

I eventually went to UNCP for a degree in communications and worked with the athletic department in broadcasting soccer, football, basketball, baseball, and softball. I have recently graduated this past December and am blessed that this is my first job out of college in communications.

I’m very young to some, passionate to others, but a writer to all. And I can’t wait to write about the amazing young athletes around our area.