Bodner SettleS in at Rhea County

2/1/23

Evensville, Tn -- This year Rhea County High School basketball coach Brien Crowder put together a coaching staff with some coaches who were local and then found a coach all the way in Montana . Jeff Bodner, comes onbaord as an assistant coach this year. Jeff, who is 23 years old, can be found on the bench during varsity games and at the head seat for junior varsity and freshman games. for Rhea County High School. he teaches Physical Education at Rhea Middle School.

Jeff was an accomplished high school player in Montana and during College, he began coaching at middle school and high school level(volunteer assistant). Jeff was born in Laurel Montana on March 31, 1999. He graduated high school in 2017 and graduated from Montana State University in 2021. He majored in K-12 Physical Education with minor in coaching. Jess enjoyed snowmobiling and fishing in his free time during college.

He is the son of John and Mikell Bodner. They are both veterinarians but John works on the ranch full-time now. He has anolder sister (Paige) who is currently in Vet School at Colorado State University, and a younger brother (Eli) who is a Sophomore in High School at Belt Montana.

How was it like growing up in Montana?

"Shortly after I was born, we moved to Stevensville, Montana where I spent most of my childhood. At the end of my sophomore year of high school, we moved to Belt, Montana so that my dad could take over the family ranch. I finished my last two years of high school at Belt High School."

Talk a little about your high school ahtletic career.

"I was a three-year varsity starter in high school. I was an all-conference and all-state player. We reached the state tournament once my junior year of high school and placed third. I played high school football and track. My high school coach was Kyle Paulson. Very successful coach who was on the Boise State Staff and coached out in Missouri for a little while. His system was defensive oriented. We full court pressed the majority of the game and looked to push the ball whenever we had the opportunity. Offensively, we were patient in the half court running a ball screen continuity the majority of the game."

What was your first basketball coaching job?

"My first coaching job was in 2018-19 as a middle school basketball coach and volunteer assistant at Bozeman High School where we won a state championship that year. From 2019-2022, I was the head sophomore basketball coach and varsity assistant at Bozeman High School. We made the state tournament every year as a coach there and made the state championship one other time in 2021-22 where we placed 2nd. I coached football and basketball at Bozeman High most of my time in college." I met a lot of my friends down in college where we did a lot of snowmobiling and fishing on our free time."

How did you come to make my way to Tennessee?

"I wanted to challenge myself by moving to an unfamiliar environment. I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to meet new people and work in a different school district. I liked the area of Tennessee, South Carolina, & North Carolina and it just worked out that Rhea County was searching for an assistant basketball coach. I called Jeremy Fitzgerald who tied me in with Coach Crowder and the rest is history."

How has the transition to Tennessee gone for you?

"The transition has had its ups and downs. Leaving Montana and all my friends & family was tough for me as it was the only thing I have ever known. The heat and humidity also took me a long time to get adjusted to. The people that I have met down here have made the transition a lot easier for me. When you move to a new place and the people are welcoming and take you in as their own, it makes you feel like you made the right choice."

What do you like most about Tennessee?

"Right now, I am enjoying the mild winters and not dealing with the snow and cold temperatures every day. I like the southern BBQ and trying all the traditional southern dishes that we don’t get up in Montana. Most importantly I appreciate all the people that have supported me while I’m down here. From my experience, I think that Tennessee lives up to the phrase of “southern hospitality” as everyone has shown kindness and politeness toward me."

Talk a little about your coaching duties her at Rhea County High School?

"I am the head freshman and junior varsity coach while also assisting the varsity team. As an assistant coach, it’s my job to do everything to support Coach Crowder and uphold the philosophy of the program. I’m here to stay loyal to the Rhea County basketball team while providing different insight to help our team be successful."

What have you learned from the Rhea County Staff this year?

"Every coach has a different philosophy on how to run a program. I try to talk and work with as many coaches as I can to broaden my knowledge. I am truly fortunate to be working with some highly successful coaches this year like Coach Crowder, Larry Eastman, and Shane Johnston. It’s a blessing that I have the opportunity to pick their brain every day. I think Coach Crowder is one of the greatest at being able to build strong relationships with the athletes and getting everyone to buy into the program."

Did you have any favorite college or NBA players you followed growing up?

"My favorite team growing up was the Portland Trail Blazers. My grandparents lived in Oregon, so I got to attend a few Blazers games. I never really had a favorite player growing up, it was mainly whoever was playing on the team at the time. Clyde Drexler, LaMarcus Aldridge, and Damien Lillard are the ones who come to my mind."

What has been the biggest Influence on your basketball growth as a youth and beyond?

"My dad was the biggest influence on my basketball growth as a youth. He got me into the sport of basketball and coached our youth team before I got into Middle School. After that, I would say that the various coaches that I played or worked under all influenced my growth. I have had some great basketball mentors growing up that have not only taught me lessons about basketball but about life."

What is your favorite type of player to coach?

"Without question, it’s players who have a great work ethic and attitude. I am a true believer that the only things a person can control in life are their attitude and effort. The same applies to the game of basketball. All the Xs & O’s and basketball skills can be taught and coached. When players become undisciplined and get the “poor me’s” the scheme and skills become irrelevant. The championship teams are the teams that are powered by positive attitude and a gritty, hard work ethic."