Captain wins varsity MVP Published March 21, 2008 By Senior Airman Heather Stanton 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Capt. Jamila Hodges, 39th Contracting Squadron director of business operations and member of the Incirlik women's varsity basketball team, was named most valuable player during the United States Air Forces in Europe Women's Basketball Championship Tournament March 3-9. Captain Hodges immediately joined the team after arriving at Incirlik Jan. 31. "Captain Hodges earned the award because she is a very energetic individual whose motor runs nonstop when she is playing," said Kevin Parker, Incirlik women's varsity basketball head coach. "She has boosted her teammate's confidence. All coaches had to vote on who the MVP was going to be and she was the obvious choice." Captain Hodges believes she was voted the MVP because she is very versatile on the court. "I can play just about every position," she said. "I'd like to think I'm a team player, I like to motivate my team. I also think I'm strong at defense and rebounding." During the recent tournament at Aviano Air Base, Italy, Captain Hodges scored 16 points and had 19 rebounds during the championship game alone. The women's varsity basketball team has 10 players, with a wide range of experience from first-time players to players with years of experience. Captain Hodges started playing basketball during her lunchtime in middle school 14 years ago and then played as the only female on a ninth grade co-ed team. The following year, she played for her tenth grade high school team. The team practices three to four times a week when preparing for a tournament, said Captain Hodges. During practice, the team runs drills, runs for conditioning, learns and practices plays, practices different defenses and scrimmages against each other. "It is always nice to be recognized when you put in a lot of work," said Captain Hodges. "I am passionate about the game, even when I have to put ice bags on my ankles at the end of a game or practice."