Join us for S4:EP21 of the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as Mary Hodge, High-Performance Manager at USA Para Powerlifting, sits down with our host, Roy Kessel, to discuss her work with the USA Para Powerlifting and providing aspiring athletes in the para-athlete community a place to compete or be get healthy through sport.
Mary Hodge graduated from Hofstra University with a Master of Science Degree in Physical Education Teaching and Coaching. She is the U.S. Paralympics Powerlifting Head Coach and High-Performance Manager of Paralympic Operations of USA Para Powerlifting (USAPP). She has trained elite Para powerlifters like Paralympian Shafik Ahmed, Kim Brownfield, Mary Stack, and Jacob Schrom. She recruits athletes, coaches, trainers, through hubs and sports spaces.
USA Para Powerlifting (USAPP), at Logan University, houses the para powerlifting sport, one of the fastest-growing sports in the world of Paralympics. The sport used to only be offered to those with spinal cord injuries. It is not open to all athletes with any of the eight eligible physical impairments. The sport made its appearance in the 1984 Paralympic Games held in New York. It is now quickly growing under USAPP.
HIGHLIGHTS OF MARY’S PODCAST
- 00:00: Introductions
- 05:00: Growth of Para-Sports
- 07:50: Future Plans, Community Outreach, & More Access to Sports
- 09:15: Age & Competing
- 11:30: How Athletes Join the Program & American Development Model (ADM)
- 15:30: Covering Expenses
- 22:55: Supporting Athletes Like a Team Member Despite it Being an Individual Sport
- 24:20: Mental Performance
- 30:00: Conclusions & Bonus SPN Question
SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS AND WEBSITE
- Website: Logan.edu/USAPP
- LinkedIn: Mary Hodge
- Twitter: @MaryCHodge
