Compulsive about truth, accuracy, and combating injustice, and consistently in command of witty responses, Larry Hodges is a natural born journalist and author. Larry has written and sold more than 35 science fiction and fantasy stories. His delight in writing could have steered him toward a path of success solely as a science fiction author. Luckily for the table tennis community, a chance discovery at a local library when he was a sixteen year old high school athlete provided a different focus. Larry was a track and field kid. He had stopped by the library in search of a book to help him improve his skills as a mile runner. A cursory look at a nearby shelf and he happened upon a book about table tennis titled “The Money Player,” by Marty Reisman. The book peaked his interest and sent him searching for a table tennis club in his area. According to Larry, he was hooked instantly and while it took time for him to begin winning matches, he eventually became one of the best players at the club. Larry maintains his reputation as one of the most knowledgeable guys in the US table tennis community. He has experience in nearly all aspects of table tennis. He began as a recreational player and has spent more than a quarter-century dedicating his time and efforts to promoting the sport.
Larry has earned 18 national table tennis titles during his years as a player. He has earned the USATT’s highest level of certification as a Certified National Coach. In addition to playing and coaching, he is also an advocate for the sport through organizational efforts and journalistic contributions. Larry has penned more than 1200 articles in 98 different publications. He has written several table tennis books and manuals. In addition to these endeavors, Larry has served the USATT in many capacities; Vice President of the organization, Editor of the USATT magazine, Founder and Director of the USATT League, Director of Club Programs, Webmaster, Coach, Umpire, and any other position of leadership that needed to be filled. He is a man who has worn many different hats for the table tennis movement. His efforts and dedication have earned him a bounty of awards including the USATT Developmental Coach of the Year in 2002, an induction into the USATT Hall of Fame as a Contributor in 2003, and the USA Table Tennis President’s Award in 2007, to name a few
Larry calls himself a semi-retired player, he points to injuries and lackluster performance as his reasons for not signing up for more tournaments. While his racket may not be on the court as often, his heart is still 100 percent in the game. Larry has a passion for promoting table tennis to Junior players. He has often stated his belief that the more clubs and programs in existence, the better the USATT will function and grow. He practices what he preaches and can be found on the front lines coaching and promoting the sport he loves. He has founded numerous clubs and programs and is a tireless promoter of the programs and the players who participate in them. Larry uses his quick wit and sense of humor to draw people in and hold their attention. Aside from the humorous slant to many articles he has written, he has also been known to garner attention by playing matches using random items such as a clipboard and even an ice cube in place of a standard racket! He is a genius when it comes to grabbing the spotlight and once he has it, he uses it to continue promoting the adventure of his sport. Larry Hodges is a name that will go down in history as someone who lived and breathed the game of table tennis.
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