Sam Hodges was part of the New Zealand men’s volleyball squad that toured Chile in 2023. Photo / Paul Leroy Espinoza
Volleyball may not always grab the back-page headlines in New Zealand, but for Sam Hodges, it has taken him further than he ever imagined.
Standing at 2.08 metres, Hodges is hard to miss on court and his journey from small-town Southland to representing New Zealand on the international stage is one that reflects both the growth of the sport and the sacrifices required to compete at the highest level.
Now based in Hamilton for work, Hodges recently joined Waikato’s All Sports Breakfast to share his story.
Growing up in Winton, Hodges followed the familiar path of many young Southland boys: rugby.
He harboured the childhood dream of wearing the black jersey one day, but as he started high school, new opportunities emerged.
“Rugby was great, but volleyball and basketball started to open doors,” Hodges said.
“And being about a foot taller than everyone else, it started to make a bit of sense.”
At just 14 or 15 years old, Hodges, to the surprise of his community, decided to step away from rugby to focus more seriously on volleyball.
Through Kiwi Volley, a Volleyball New Zealand initiative that introduces the sport to schools around the country, he made his break.
A visit from coach Alex Mariano to Southland helped set the wheels in motion, Hodges said.
“That was my first real experience with volleyball coaching. From there, things just took off.”
Hodges quickly progressed through Southland age-group teams, from under-13s to under-18s, travelling regularly to Christchurch, Auckland and beyond.
His height and ability made him stand out, and selection for his first international experience soon followed: He was part of a South Island-based New Zealand under-16/17 team, travelling to Queensland, Australia.
The taste of international competition proved addictive, Hodges said.
“That was the start of it. I made mates there, I still play with today.”
In 2018, Hodges was selected for the New Zealand under-18 team, travelling to Iran.
“It was mind-blowing,” he said.
“Coming from a quiet, rugby-and-netball-focused place and suddenly representing New Zealand overseas, I still remember every detail.”
The following year saw another step up, with the under-20s touring Florida and Los Angeles, competing against American state teams and Canadian opposition.
“That trip was a massive eye-opener,” Hodges said.
“The level over there is insane. They start training these athletes properly from a really young age – we tend to start much later here.”
After that tour, Hodges received scholarship interest from US colleges, but Covid-19 shut the door on overseas moves.
In 2021, he was selected for the New Zealand men’s squad, though international travel was still limited.
The long-awaited return finally came in 2023, when the men’s and women’s teams toured Chile.
“It was unbelievable,” Hodges said.
“We played matches across different towns, sold-out crowds everywhere. Volleyball is huge there.”
Facing Chilean teams filled with Olympians, the New Zealand side more than held their own.
“You go from working a normal job in New Zealand to feeling almost famous over there. The love for volleyball is something else.”
Despite the excitement, representing New Zealand comes with challenges, especially financial ones.
Hodges admits the cost of international competition has recently sidelined him from selection.
“Trips can be $5000 to $6000 each, sometimes more. You’re talking multiple trips a year. That’s hard when you’ve got a job and a life here.”
He believes it’s time for volleyball in New Zealand to look toward greater sponsorship and professional support.
“There’s huge potential,” he said.
“Volleyball’s been growing steadily, but we’re still waiting for someone to really get behind it.”
Hodges’ move to Hamilton was driven by a job opportunity, he is now a media specialist for NZME, and the chance to be closer to one of the country’s volleyball hubs, Auckland.
“I’ll still attend New Zealand camps, help the younger guys, keep a finger in the pie,” he said.
Hodges will also represent Waikato at the Interprovincial Championships in Wellington in June, before the club championships later in the year.
He is playing for his long-time club, the Christchurch Pioneer Panthers.
Volleyball, Hodges admits, is brutal on the body, relentless jumping, diving on wooden floors, and constant strain on knees, shoulders and ankles.
“It’s like rugby without the ball. Everything’s 100%.”
Yet despite the toll, his passion for the sport is undiminished.
Graeme “Mintie” Mead is a sports commentator, the host of the radio show Waikato All Sports Breakfast and a Newstalk ZB overnight host. He is also a councillor on the Hamilton City Council.