NORFOLK, Va. -- Former ODU standout Julie Hodge has been named as an assistant coach for the Old Dominion field hockey program, head coach Andrew Griffiths announced recently.
"We are excited that Julie has come back to work with the program again," said Griffiths. "She was a volunteer coach with us last spring, and she fits in very well with our staff and team. She works hard, connects with the players and is focused, with good attention to the details of the game. As an alumni, she also understands the strengths of ODU well, and knows what it is like to be a successful student-athlete here."
"I am also thrilled that Amy Swensen is going to be able to remain with the team in a volunteer coaching capacity - our goalkeepers are lucky to have her expertise, and overall I’m really pleased with the dynamic with our coaching staff."
Hodge, who graduated from Old Dominion in 2013, was a four-year starter for the Lady Monarchs from 2009 to 2012, and served as a volunteer assistant for the team last season.
Last year, Hodge also served as the travel club coordinator for Potomac Rapids Field Hockey Club in Leesburg, Virginia.
In 2013-14, Hodge was an assistant coach at Ursinus College, while also coaching four different youth teams at the W.C. Eagles Field Hockey Club in Spring City, Pennsylvania. Additionally, Hodge has also coached several club teams in Auckland, New Zealand, as well as Oscar Smith Middle School.
During her playing career at Old Dominion, Hodge was a four-time NFHCA National Academic Squad member and helped lead the Lady Monarchs to back-to-back CAA titles in 2010 and 2011 and a Final Four appearance in 2011. She was named to the CAA All-Rookie squad in 2009 and earned NSCA All-American honors in 2011.
Hodge, a native of Downington, Pennsylvania, graduated from ODU in May of 2013 with a degree in exercise science and a minor in recreational therapy.
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