San Juan Hills High School junior Megan Hodges recently helped lead the U.S. Women’s U23 Volleyball Team to a gold medal at the NORCECA U23 Pan American Cup in Managua, Nicaragua. The significant victory occurred on September 6, with Team USA defeating the Dominican Republic 3-1 in the championship match. Hodges’ stellar performance throughout the tournament also earned her the Second Best Blocker honors.
A 6-foot-5 middle and opposite blocker, Hodges proved to be a significant presence at the net during Team USA’s undefeated 6-0 run through the competition. In the championship match, she contributed a team-second-best 12 points, which included eight kills and four of the team’s 12 blocks. This international success marks a repeat achievement for Hodges, who previously won gold with USA Volleyball’s U19 team at last year’s tournament in Ontario, Canada.
San Juan Hills volleyball coach Cassie Strickland described Hodges as a “tremendously impressive volleyball player.” Strickland highlighted Hodges’ physical attributes and ball control, but emphasized her "drive for greatness," noting that Hodges "does not cut corners" and is "intentional in every touch on the ball." This dedication has positioned Hodges as one of the most highly touted recruits in the 2028 class, with rankings of No. 3 and No. 6 by two major volleyball media outlets. She verbally committed to the University of Nebraska in June.
Hodges' impact is well-established at San Juan Hills, where she was named a MaxPreps All-American during her sophomore season. That year, she led the team with 381 kills, in addition to recording 73 blocks and 38 aces. While Hodges was competing with Team USA, San Juan Hills High School faced the challenge of her absence, missing seven combined preseason and tournament games. During that period, the team’s record was 3-4. Coach Strickland confirmed that the team adopted a “next woman up” mentality, expressing pride in how other players stepped up and competed at a high level.
Now back in Orange County, Hodges has rejoined the San Juan Hills team for league play. The Stallions are focused on pursuing a Southern Section Division 1 championship, having fallen short in the semifinals last season.
Hodges was not the sole Orange County athlete to contribute to Team USA’s gold medal. Ireland Real, a 6-foot-4 outside hitter from San Clemente who attends Santa Margarita Catholic High School, also played a significant role. Real recorded nine kills and three aces in the gold-medal match and had previously posted a team-high 22 points against Nicaragua earlier in the tournament.