ANGOLA, Ind. -- Kyle Dodson is a sophomore Finance major with a 3.75 GPA from Centerville High School in Centerville, Ohio.
Dodson played a pivotal role in the success of last year's team by averaging 10.4 points per game as a freshman while also leading the team in three-point field goal percentage. His 46 percent mark from beyond the three point arc was good enough to rank him thirdin the MIAA for that category. Dodson's ability to stretch defenses as a long range threat helped create many driving lanes and scoring opportunities for All-MIAA First Team teammate Will Dixon and Capitol One Academic All-American Player of the Year Jared Holmquist.
Dodson wasted no time in earning his reputation as a shooter for the Thunder when he opened the season with three "3"s in a home victory over Heidelberg and followed that performance with 19 points off the bench in a big victory against North Park. Dodson continued to develop his game throughout the season and would even go on to lead Trine in rebounding in their final two games of the season in must-win victories over both Olivet (6) and Albion (8).
Dodson shared his thoughts on some of his basketball and campus experiences.
How did your experience playing for Coach Brook Cupps at Centerville High School help prepare you to have an immediate impact on the program here at Trine?
Having the opportunity to play under a coach like Brook Cupps in high school played a pivotal role in preparing myself mentally and physically to compete at Trine. Coach Cupps has installed a culture at Centerville very similar to the culture here at Trine. The offensive movements and defensive rotations implemented by Coach Cupps being almost identical to the strategies at Trine allowed me to just continue and build what I had been doing for three years.
What have you learned in your first year of experience here at Trine University?
In my first year at Trine University I have learned quite a few important things. The most important lesson I have learned though is to keep reminding myself why I am at Trine University. Having the opportunity to continue to study towards my aspired career at one of the best schools in Indiana while being around an incredible group of guys that want nothing but to see you succeed and succeed with you is a blessing. I have learned to give this opportunity everything I have, because not everyone is lucky enough to be in a situation like this.
What are the biggest areas of improvement that you need to make from last season to this season?
Losing a player as dominant as Jared Holmquist is detrimental to a team. Besides his inside presence, Jared brought a competitive edge and a way of leading by example everyday. The improvements I need to make coming into this season involve bringing what he brought to practice everyday and take advantage of smaller match ups by developing an inside game. Leading vocally and by example to help some of the younger players will be beneficial to the team as well.
What is one thing most people don't know about Kyle Dodson?
One thing people don't know about me is that I enjoyed my internship over the summer with UBS Financial Services.
What would you want people to say about you and your teammates after they watch you play?
I would want people to realize just how much work we have put in and how prepared/focused we are to get a job done. We have a close group of guys and I want that to be evident on the court.
Trine opens the season Tuesday, Nov. 15 when the team hosts Defiance in Hershey Hall.