What a week it was for all of the Orange County high school athletes who signed letters of intent Wednesday, the first day of the regular signing period for football, soccer and men’s water polo.
It was an especially gratifying week for Santa Margarita senior water polo goaltender Noah Hodge.
On Monday, Hodge was Santa Margarita’s choice to represent the school at the Orange County Athletic Director’s “Athletes of Character” dinner at Anaheim Convention Center. Santa Margarita’s female honoree at the event was his girlfriend Sarah Ciszek, an All-Orange County volleyball player. Hodge and Ciszek accepted their awards together.
On Wednesday, Hodge signed his letter of intent. He is going to Harvard where he plans to major in chemistry or bio-technical engineering. Hodge has a 4.86 grade-point average.
Hodge is a three-time All-Trinity League water polo player. He has been selected to the All-Orange County second team twice and has twice received All-CIF recognition. Hodge was Santa Margarita team captain his junior and senior seasons.
And he plays in the school’s orchestra and has completed 220 hours of community service.
It was a rewarding week.