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EVANSVILLE, Ind. – University of Evansville men's soccer player Patrick Hodges was selected as one of 30 candidates for the 2014 Senior CLASS Award for men's soccer, in an announcement made Tuesday afternoon.
 
An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School ^®, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.  To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence – community, classroom, character and competition.
 
Hodges has started every match he has appeared in for the Purple Aces during his four-year career and has served as team captain each of the last two seasons.  The Evansville native was an All-Missouri Valley Conference Second Team selection last season, after leading the Aces' defense to three shutouts.  As a sophomore, Hodges earned All-MVC Honorable Mention status and was named the MVP of the ProRehab Aces Soccer Classic.
 
In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Hodges has devoted countless community service hours, as he has been involved with UE's Team Impact project, mentored youth players at the Evansville Soccer Club and participated in projects with the Boys and Girls Club, Green River Kiwanis Club, St. Benedict Summer Social and the Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds program.
 
The list of 30 candidates will be narrowed down to 10 midway through the regular season and those 10 names will be placed on the official ballot.  Ballots will then be distributed through a nationwide voting system to media, coaches and fans, who will select the candidate that best exemplifies excellence in the four Cs of community, classroom, character and competition.