Sumter, S. C.
Inducted 2021
Chuck Hodgin grew up in Sumter in the 1960’s and 1970’s and was one of the state’s greatest junior and college players. He is the son of legendary tennis player, coach and teacher Charles Hodgin, and will join his late father as the first father-son combination inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Chuck was ranked #1 in South Carolina for 6 straight years between 1972 and 1977. Over these 6 years he was the #1 ranked player in the South 4 years and #2 in the South 2 years. He earned a #8 national ranking in 14U singles in 1973, #25 in 16U singles in 1974, #10 in 16U singles in 1975 and #17 in 18U singles in 1976. Chuck was also an outstanding doubles player, earning a #1 doubles ranking in the state 4 years and #1 in the South 3 years. He represented South Carolina as a member of the state’s Junior Davis Cup team 6 years, including leading the team at #1 singles and doubles when they won the Southern Championships in 1977. While still only 18 years, old Chuck won back-to-back South Carolina Men’s Open singles titles in 1976 and 1977.
Hodgin played #1 singles and doubles at Sumter High School for 5 years. He was team MVP, All-Conference and All-State and won several State High School singles championships and led his team to a state title.
He won 9 singles titles at the Palmetto Championships in Belton, starting with the 12U in 1970. He won at least 1 title in each age division, including 4 consecutive 18U titles between 1974 and 1977. Chuck added 3 doubles titles and ranks second on the all-time boys’ list for total Belton titles. His 3 titles in the 1973 tournament is a record he shares with fellow Hall of Fame inductee Richard Hardaway. Hodgin and his brother Mark are #1 on the total titles by a family with 21 Belton championships.
Chuck was highly recruited by colleges throughout the country and accepted a tennis scholarship to the University of South Carolina. He was a 4-year letterman under coach Ron Smarr, playing singles wherever the team needed him, primarily at #2 or #3. He helped lead the team to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Championships in 1978, playing #2 singles and doubles. Chuck had a 20-3 record and won the team MVP award in 1980. He was a co-captain of the 1980-81 team. He teamed with Ulf Petterson to win prestigious Southern Intercollegiate Doubles titles in 1978 and 1980.
During and after college, Hodgin played USTA adult tournaments and was among the top 4 ranked singles players in the state from 1978 to 1985. He continued to play competitively through 1992 and was ranked #1 in South Carolina, #1 or #2 in the South, and #14 in the nation in Men’s 30s 3 years, from 1990 to 1992.
Chuck showed tremendous sportsmanship and character throughout his playing career. He was dedicated to athletic training and practice and was a student of the game. He never had on-court issues and exhibited great character throughout his years of tennis competition. He always had the respect of his teammates, coaches, and opponents and had the ability to put team ahead of self.
Hodgin was previously recognized for his achievements by induction into the City of Sumter Sports Hall of Fame in 1988 and into the Sumter High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005.
