NEW YORK, N.Y. - The New York Liberty announced Wednesday that Colgate women's basketball assistant coach, Roneeka Hodges, will be joining their coaching staff for the duration of the WNBA season. Coach Hodges will rejoin the Raiders staff in Hamilton at the conclusion of the season.
Hodges played 11 seasons in the WNBA with six different teams including the Houston Comets, Minnesota Lynx, San Antonio Silver Stars, Tulsa Shock, Indiana Fever, and Atlanta Dream. She was instrumental in helping grow the league and the game of basketball through her play and her off-the-court service. As a young girl, Colgate women's basketball senior Katlyn Ghavidel watched Hodges play for the San Antonio Silver Stars and fondly remembers having the opportunity to meet her and take a photo. Now several years later, Ghavidel had the fortune of being coached by Hodges in her senior year of college.
Ghavidel commented, "There is no one better to learn from and no better example than Coach Ron of what it means to give back and make people feel inspired. It is thrilling to see her have a chance to give back to the WNBA and help the next generation of players succeed. I am so thankful for all she has done for me and my game."
Hodges is the positional coach for the Raiders' guards in practices. She also is a critical part of the game scouts as the team prepares for Colgate's opponents. Additionally, Hodges aids in the recruitment process and is a leader with team community service efforts.
Head Coach Ganiyat Adeduntan commented, "I am excited about this opportunity for Roneeka. She has not only been a great addition to our staff and program but a joy to work alongside. I know she will be able to continue to grow as a coach working with a great New York Liberty staff led by Sandy Brondello. The Liberty is our home team but we now have even more reason to root for them with our very own, Roneeka Hodges, working to help them succeed."
"I'm looking forward to the knowledge that she will bring back with her which I know will help us grow as we aspire to become league leaders. This is a great opportunity for Coach Hodges to continue to grow as a coach which will bring tremendous value to the Colgate program in the future."
Hodges said of the opportunity, "I'm excited for the chance to join Sandy Brondello as she puts her stamp on the New York Liberty franchise. I'm looking forward to assisting her in her quest, giving back to this generation of players, and once again being a part of a league that's near and dear to my heart. I'm thankful to Ganiyat Adeduntan and Colgate University for allowing me the opportunity. I look forward to what this brings to Colgate Women's Basketball as we grow together and push this program to new heights."
