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Former New Hampton basketball star Hodgson opts out of 2020 basketball season
Eva Hodgson shined in her sophomore season leading William & Mary to a (21-8) record in their 2019-20 season. (Photo: Jim Agnew/Tribe Athletics)

Former New Hampton basketball star Hodgson opts out of 2020 basketball season

NEW HAMPTON, N.H. (BVM) — William & Mary’s star guard, Eva Hodgson, has decided to opt out of the 2020 season due to concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a statement from the program, Hodgson announced some of the personal reasons that led to her opt-out.

“Being the competitor that I am, I have truly wrestled with this decision,” Hodgson said. “For me the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 added a layer of anxiety to the 2020-21 season. At the end of the day, through a lot of prayer, gathering of information and counsel from those I hold dear, I’ve come to the conclusion that concerns over contracting and/or transmitting COVID-19 are not worth putting anyone in jeopardy. For those reasons, I have decided to opt-out this season. 

“I love the game of basketball and my teammates and will miss the game dearly, but I will continue to support my team the best I can and hope for the best for them and fellow CAA competitors. Can’t wait for what’s to come for Tribe Women’s Basketball!”

The 2018 CAA Rookie of the Year helped lead the Tribe to a 21-8 record in her sophomore season, before a matchup against Delaware in the CAA Women’s Basketball Championship was canceled. The 5-foot-9 guard averaged 20.7 points per game and 3.6 assists, ranking first in the conference and eighth in the NCAA in scoring, this past season.

Hodgson attended Conan High School and helped the school win a Division III championship in her first year at the school. She would transfer to New Hampton School for her remaining three years. 

In 2015, Hodgson played a part in New Hampton’s undefeated championship season and would follow it up by leading the team to the NEPSAC A Quarterfinal in her junior season. She would close out her career at the program by leading the Huskies to a NEPSAC AA Finals.

Along with Hodgson’s decision, fellow teammate and Portsmouth High School alum, Libby Underwood, would follow her lead.

“After careful thought and consideration for myself and my family, I have decided to opt-out of the 2020-21 season due to the concerns of COVID-19.” Underwood said. “The potential of contracting/transmitting the virus is not worth putting my family and friends at risk. I wish the best for the team and hope they are able to get the opportunity to prove themselves this season.”

William & Mary basketball coach, Ed Swanson, threw his support behind the players’ decision.

“We support both Eva and Libby in their decisions,” head coach Ed Swanson said. “In this uncertain time, the health and well-being of our student-athletes and the Tribe community is paramount. Eva and Libby made decisions that are important to them and their families. We stand behind them and will continue to support them.”

With the NCAA COVID-19 opt-out policy, the two players will not lose out on a year of eligibility.