LYNN — Everyone faces adversity at some point in their lives. Oftentimes they say it’s how we deal with those adverse situations that define us as people.
Lynn resident Anthony Hodges had plenty going for himself heading into his senior year at Salem State. He was slated to graduate with a degree in sports marketing in May 2016, captain the men’s basketball team and maintain a starting role while working multiple jobs during the summer.
“I was working out 4:30 a.m. with a trainer,” said Hodges, a Worcester native. “I’d work out with him every day of the week and on top of that I was working two jobs. I was making steps toward bettering myself on the court, I was doing well for myself financially.”
Then, in the blink of an eye, his life came to a screeching halt.
On July 28, 2015, Hodges went out to celebrate a friend’s 21st birthday. The night ended in a car crash that left Hodges paralyzed from the waist down. A friend of Hodges assumed the role of designated driver, but lost control of the vehicle, which hit a utility pole and flipped.
Hodges was taken to Brigham and Women’s Hospital where doctors revealed horrific news — they told him there was a “less than 0 percent chance he’d walk again.” Hodges admitted that hearing those words was intimidating — but he never bought into them. Instead, he chose to fight his way through defying the odds.
“Hearing those words, I immediately ended up tearing up,” Hodges said. “I said ‘if I ever walk again, I’m going to make sure it’s the biggest comeback ever.’ If it was real, I had to figure out a way to live through it, but before I actually accepted that I wanted to put the work in. I wasn’t going to accept that before I made sure I put my 100 percent best to get back on my feet. Even though the doctor said it, I never accepted it.”
Hodges spent two weeks in the hospital before commencing his journey toward getting back on his feet. He attended physical therapy at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Salem. Just 10 weeks after the accident, Hodges was back on his feet with a walker. Shortly afterward, he abandoned the walker and was back on his feet altogether.
“I felt a sigh of relief that I didn’t give up,” Hodges said. “I continued to try and figure out how I can become better. I felt amazing. Everything was worth it. People in my circle were supportive, by my side. It was great. Everything was worth it. Every day was a struggle, but I always told myself, with the experience I went through, ‘it was a minor setback for a major comeback.’ My short term goal was to walk again, my long term goal was to play college basketball.”
Hodges never gave up on that dream either. It took him two years, but he returned to the Vikings for his senior basketball season last winter — a year that saw Salem State finish undefeated in MASCAC regular-season play (12-0) and peak into the Division III National rankings.
Playing time was scarce for Hodges, who found himself getting back to speed on a veteran-heavy Vikings team. But he accepted his role as a veteran leader and made the most of the experience.
“At first it was tough, knowing that I wasn’t going to be playing the amount I was before,” Hodges said. “I got my jersey, I made the team and I thought I’d hopefully get 10-15 minutes to play. I accepted my role. It was a great experience to be on the team with the guys and have a veteran role. I felt like an older guy on the bench, like a fourth coach. It was more about taking the leadership role. That was fun.”
Hodges worked closely with former Salem State men’s assistant basketball coach Bobby Verdun, a Marblehead resident, during his journey back to the team. Verdun and Hodges trained together six days a week at 8 a.m. and the effort paid dividends.
“It was rewarding,” Hodges said. “The two years of working out with Bobby. It was a fun journey to get there. It was hard, waking up at 8 a.m. to work out six days a week. To see all that hard work unfold to getting back on the team. It was joy. I was really happy. I worked hard for it and I was finally competing with guys again.
“Bobby played a huge role in player development. My skills weren’t up to par to where they are now. He played a huge role in my success and getting back to the court. Just having that free time to work with me without getting compensated. He saw that I was a hard worker so he said ‘I’m all in with you.’ We created an amazing bond with each other.”
Hodges, now 25, graduated from Salem State this past May and served as commencement speaker at the graduation ceremony. He said he felt proud to have the opportunity to share his story with fellow classmates.
“It was honestly an amazing feeling to just be able to leave Salem State on that note,” Hodges said. “Being a representative of the class of 2018, share that moment and wrap up three years of that time. I thought it was fun. It was an opportunity for me to grow and tell people they can reach their dreams as long as they’re willing to work hard for it.”
He has also shared his story with younger basketball players.
“I talk to the youth and kids,” Hodges said. “An old coach of mine called me to go talk to one of his basketball teams. It was a good experience. Kids had questions and they were curious about it. It was good. I don’t know if some of them received the message but hopefully I was able to reach them and they were able to take some type of message. It felt good sharing my experience with the youth.”
Hodges’ basketball career has now come full circle. Verdun was tabbed as the new head women’s basketball coach in September and he hired Hodges as an assistant.
Verdun said Hodges is a perfect candidate to join his coaching staff.
“Of all Anthony’s strengths, and he has many, it’s his willingness to give to others all that he has and his sincere commitment to those around him that truly separates him,” Verdun said. “It’s one thing to have talent and inner strength. It’s another to take those skill sets and make all around you better. He does it better than anyone I’ve ever been around.”
The Vikings started tryouts last week and begin their season Nov. 10. Hodges believes things are going well in his new chapter and is excited to progress with the student-athletes on the Vikings’ roster.
“I’m looking forward to being able to coach at the college level with passionate women,” Hodges said. “It’ll be a great opportunity to learn how to motivate, inspire, teach and coach at a high level.
“I can’t wait to be a part of this staff and push these girls to the best of their abilities. I’m really excited to go and continue learning.”
