CLINTON, Miss. — Their journey began on the track at Mississippi Christian University, where Gabe Hodson and Lauren Wallace chased personal records, conference championships and national recognition while wearing the Choctaw uniform.
Now, after closing their collegiate careers as Choctaws, the newly married couple will take their talents to an international stage — representing the United States at the 2026 FISU America Games in Lima, Peru.
Hodson will compete in the men's 800-meter race, while Wallace will represent the United States in both the women's 800-meter and 1,500-meter events.
The FISU America Games, scheduled for July 20-Aug. 1, 2026, will bring together top university athletes from across North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean. The fourth edition of the Games will feature competition in up to 15 sports with athletes representing 20-25 countries in a celebration of sport, education and cultural exchange.
For the newlyweds, the opportunity represents the continuation of a story that began as teammates competing for Mississippi Christian University and has since grown into a lifelong partnership.
Both athletes left a lasting impact on the Choctaw and Lady Choctaw track and field programs.
Wallace closed her Mississippi Christian career as one of the most decorated distance runners in program history. A standout in cross country and track and field, Wallace earned recognition as one of the Gulf South Conference's top student-athletes and was named to the GSC Top Ten, an honor recognizing excellence in athletics, academics and leadership.
Wallace played a key role in the continued growth of the Lady Choctaw cross country and track programs, providing consistent performances and leadership throughout her career. Her versatility across multiple distance events helped establish her as one of the conference's premier competitors.
Hodson established himself as one of the premier distance runners in Mississippi Christian men's track and field history. Hodson earned All-American honors at the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships, competing among the nation's top athletes.
His accomplishments helped continue the momentum of a Mississippi Christian program that has developed into a consistent contender at the conference and national levels.
Beyond their athletic achievements, the Hodsons' story is one of perseverance, partnership and shared experiences. After years of competing alongside one another as teammates, the two recently began a new chapter together, getting married at the conclusion of their collegiate careers.
Their time as Choctaws included countless hours of training, travel, competition and growth — experiences that prepared them for the next challenge on an international stage.
Lima, Peru, will provide the backdrop for the next chapter of their athletic journey. The city, located along the Pacific coast, is one of South America's largest metropolitan areas and has become a major destination for international sporting events.
Lima hosted the 2019 Pan American Games and will host the Pan American Games again in 2027. Many of those world-class facilities will be utilized during the 2026 FISU America Games, providing athletes with a premier competitive environment.
In addition to competition, the Games will feature cultural and educational experiences highlighting Peru's history, traditions and heritage while bringing together student-athletes from across the Americas.
As they step onto the international stage, Gabe and Lauren Hodson will represent more than themselves. They will represent the United States while carrying with them the experiences, relationships and foundation built during their time at Mississippi Christian University.
From Choctaw teammates to newlyweds, their journey continues — this time on a global stage.
