Camden Hodge (sitting center) signs letter of intent for Radford University. To his right is his mother, Penny Hodge and to his left, his father, Craig Hodge. In the background are his coaches. Emily Flora SWoCo

Camden Hodge, 17 and a senior at Hidden Valley High School, signed a letter of intent to play baseball for Radford University on Wednesday, Nov. 11.

Hodge, who plays shortstop, said that Radford University was his first pick. He also plays 2nd and 3rd base and outfield.

“I really like the coaches and I like their view of baseball and the team itself,” Hodge said about his choice.

Hodge said his decision came after his AAU team played at Radford during the summer and he decided he wanted to play there in July.

Hodge plans on studying Finance while at Radford University and looking forward to the new chapter in his life.

“I’m just really excited to play the next level. There is a lot of talent there,” Hodge said.

Coach Jason Taylor said he has known Hodge for the past 8-years, since Hidden Valley School opened and Hodge played in the school system.

“His biggest thing is speed,” Taylor said. “He’s really fast and he’s an intelligent man. He has always known his position on the field.”

Taylor said that he was not surprised that Hodge would play baseball at the college level.

“It was a matter of where’s he’d go. He’s a really good hitter and he loves baseball. Radford is going to be a good fit for him,” Taylor said.

Camden is the son of Penny and Craig Hodge. His father sid that he was not surprised his son chose to paly bsaeball at the college level either.

“He’s worked so hard for it. He’s worked really hard for me to be surprised,” Craig Hodge said.