For Tierra Hodges, basketball has always been about more than just points on a scoreboard.
The 27-year-old thrives in high-pressure moments, blending skill, work ethic, and leadership that lifts her entire team.
On Sunday, as the Caledonia Gladiators face B. Braun Sheffield Hatters in the Betty Codona Trophy Final at Utilita Arena Birmingham, Hodges will be living one of those moments once again.
“As a basketball player at any level, your goal is to make it to these showpiece games, to be able to play in front of the biggest crowds,” she says.
“So to be here now on the verge of this Final, I feel blessed and very lucky.”
Since joining Caledonia in September, Hodges has made no secret of her ambition.
“I wanted to help get this club back to another final and prove that we can continue to win titles,” she explains.
“It wasn’t just a one-time thing for them to do it last year. I believed in my teammates, myself and the coaching staff, and now we’re in the Final—we’ve just got one more win to achieve something really special together and go back-to-back.”
Hodges’ journey has been defined by grit and humility. “When I was in high school, my coaches and trainers would always tell me to keep my head down and work,” she recalls.
“I’ve stuck to that as best I can ever since. I’m a very humble person, so compliments can be hard to process sometimes, but I just focus on coming out every day and giving everything I have. I always try to be the hardest working player on the court, and if I can do that, the rest takes care of itself.”
Her evolution as a player has been shaped by attention to the details. Under the guidance of Coach Chantelle Handy, Hodges has refined her all-around game, from defensive rotations to late-game decision-making.
“Every year I try to be better than the one before, and this season, paying attention to the details has really helped my game develop,” she says.
Hodges is no stranger to finals, having experienced the thrill and pressure of the stage with Newcastle Eagles at The O2 in London.
“We were the sixth seed that year and making it to the Final felt like a Cinderella story,” she remembers.
“Walking into that empty arena before the fans arrived, seeing the Play-off Final logo on the big video board—it really hit home that we’d made it. We didn’t get the win, but playing our hearts out made it unforgettable. Whether you win or lose a final, it motivates you to get back there again.”
Her mindset is clear as the Gladiators prepare to defend their crown.
“I definitely visualise winning. I try to picture myself being successful in those moments. I’ve never won a professional championship, so visualising it has been important, and I hope that all comes to life in Birmingham.”
Equally important to Hodges is her bond with the team.
“These girls are my family, my sisters. We clicked from the very beginning, and we’re a selfless group. We fight for each other, hold each other accountable, and push ourselves to be our best selves individually and as a team. That’s a big reason why we’re successful.”
For Hodges, the key to the Final will be balancing focus with enjoyment.
“We’ve got to be ready to fight like we’ve never fought before and enjoy the occasion. This is why we play, so we just need to make sure we have fun, stay together, and leave it all on the court.”
As the Gladiators look to make history with a second consecutive Betty Codona Trophy title, Hodges embodies the spirit that drives them—heart, hustle, and an unwavering belief that the best is yet to come.