It was almost surreal to hear of the death of former SCHS girls’ basketball player and teacher Courtney Hodges. I knew her only in passing, but everybody’s reaction to her death made me feel she must have been someone very special. That grief is felt throughout the entire community. She died on a Sunday after a prolonged illness; much has been said of her somewhat short life these past few days.
During the last coaching events, SCHS paused in honoring her. With innumerable testimonies, they recalled how much she meant to the school, not only as a former student but also during her days as a teacher. Graduation was in 2008, when she came back to help the new students. And they say she had that same fighting spirit in life that she displayed on the basketball court. Being an athlete myself, I can attest that it is not easy to carry that winning attitude into life. Her spirit made me feel that she would be such a wonderful and determined person.
Her peers, student-athletes, and faculty claimed she was always kind. They said it was her shining energy that made everyone comfortable. Some former students have expressed on social media that they will never forget how supportive she was to them. I have a recollection of a teacher who similarly encouraged me; thus, I can perceive why they feel such loss.
Tributes have continued to flow on social media ever since her demise was announced. There were students from different graduating classes who wrote messages. Amanda Sue Little stated Courtney was her teacher, asking prayers for Courtney’s family. Others pointed out her kindness and generosity. A friend by the name of Marie mentioned that they had been back together since middle school and that Courtney was the kindest she had ever known. To read that honestly broke my heart, too.
Her fellow player in the team, Gilstrap, went on to say that she was competitive. She recalls their games in softball and basketball when they faced off and commented that Courtney would always bring the heat. She remembered in her prayer for the family. And I thought about my teammate who always pushed me hard in practice, how inspiring such a player can be to so many others.
Anyone who kept posting was welcome. Eric Skelton described her as super sweet. Kathy Johnson offered her prayers for the family. Sheri Lawing posted a heartfelt statement saying Love my little Courtney and hugged Courtney’s family. More to offer their heartfelt emotion were Natalie Coyne, Jill Wooldridge, Laurie Spotloe Murphy, and Susan Flemming.
The common thread in each message was that Courtney Hodges had touched the lives of many at the school, including students, teammates, and those she encountered. Her compassion, strength, and commitment lingered with each one. Though she has departed now, the shared experiences one finds in all memory lanes prove quite vividly how she changed their lives.
The school is still holding fast to her legacy alongside her family and friends, so that her spirit is kept alive throughout the recollection of her days as an athlete and an educator. And even though I never knew her in person, reading about all this suggests to me that she truly mattered to a lot of people. You may also be interested in: Port St. Lucie Community Mourns 17 Year Old Fort Pierce Central Soccer Player Alexie Truong
