"Small Town Roots, Championship Standards"

Graphic Credit to Asher Stevens

Isaac Hodges

@Isaac_Hodges

IG: @isaachodges_14

6'7, 190lbs, Class of 2026

Richie County HS, WV

Marietta College did not feel like just another option for Isaac; it felt like purpose. The community stood out immediately, and the opportunity to represent something bigger than himself meant everything. The coaching staff did not just recruit him, they believed in him early, becoming the first program to truly pursue him and clearly laying out how he fit, how he would be used, and how he could grow within their system, and that honesty and vision made it feel like home.

This moment was not built overnight; it was built in empty gyms where the grind was never about who was watching but about being at his best every single time he stepped on the floor. Whether it was a packed house or a quiet practice, he approached it the same way because college basketball was always the dream, and the extra shots, early mornings, late nights, and lifts when nobody felt like lifting were all tied to one goal, making that dream real.

Coming from a small school, there were moments when he felt overlooked, which is part of the journey for many small town hoopers, but instead of allowing doubt to take root he trusted the example of those who came before him and the people in his corner who refused to let him settle, so he kept pushing, kept improving, and kept proving that his game belonged.

God has had His hand on Isaac’s life and process from the beginning, and he understands that the opportunity to play college basketball is a blessing, not a guarantee. Through uncertainty, waiting, and moments of doubt, his relationship with God provided direction and peace. He gives Him all the glory for opening doors and sustaining him through every step of this journey.

Family has been the steady foundation beneath his feet, offering unwavering support when the pressure mounted or recruiting felt slow, reminding him who he was beyond the game. He also credits his fiancée for walking through this season with him and keeping him grounded and focused as everything around him continued to move.

His coaches demanded more from him year after year, challenging him to raise his standards, compete harder, and lead louder, while former teammates poured into him as well, teaching him how to carry himself and how to win. He understands he did not arrive here alone because this commitment belongs to everyone who invested in him along the way.

When he steps on the floor for Marietta, fans can expect relentless energy for as long as he is out there because he is determined to restore championship standards and compete for titles. That mindset does not turn on and off, it follows him everywhere he goes.

Right now, his focus remains locked on Richie County because he wants to make history for his community and deliver a championship at home before turning the page. Once that chapter closes, the mission resets with the same hunger carrying into Marietta where the goal remains the same, compete, lead, and win.

For younger players watching, his message is to keep your head down, keep working, and trust God’s plan because talent exists everywhere, small towns included, and if you are good enough and committed enough, the right people will find you, but the key is to never stop.

Above all, he thanks God, his fiancée, and his family because this moment belongs to them as much as it belongs to him.

Isaac is a culture-driven competitor whose foundation is built on work ethic, belief, and loyalty to something bigger than himself. His journey from a small school environment shows resilience and self-motivation. He does not rely on outside noise, he relies on preparation. The early trust from Marietta’s staff speaks to his character and consistency. He brings a championship mindset, emotional maturity, and a team-first approach that strengthens locker rooms and raises standards daily.

Moving forward, expect Isaac to compete with intensity and purpose at every stage. His motor and mentality position him to carve out a role through effort, discipline, and accountability. As he adjusts to the pace and physical demands of the college level, his ceiling expands because he embraces structure and coaching. Programs value players who show up the same way every day, and Isaac is poised to be a tone-setter who can grow into a steady contributor capable of impacting winning basketball at Marietta. Stay tuned.