The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics and Campus Recreation has welcomed a trio of new staff members.
 
As part of the recreation department's launch of premier club sport programs, Valpo has welcomed Brandon Long as head ultimate frisbee club coach and Michael McIntyre as head women's soccer club coach. In addition, Valpo Athletics has added Kyle Hodge as an assistant athletic trainer who will work with the volleyball and baseball programs.
 
A licensed real estate broker in Valparaiso, Long served as the treasurer of Valparaiso University Ultimate Frisbee from 2007-2011. He graduated from Valpo in May 2010 with a bachelor's degree in theology with a minor in social work. Long planned team travel for tournaments and maintained accurate records. He went on to become a founding member of NWI Ultimate Frisbee in 2020, and since then he has served as the coordinator of a rec league partnering with the parks department.
 
"I'm beyond excited to reconnect with this institution, to develop the Ultimate Frisbee program I was a part of early on and to help encourage and equip the next generation of student athletes," Long said. "Valpo is more than just a place I went to school. Valparaiso University and especially the Ultimate Frisbee team is where I met my wife and where I made some of the best friendships, which I still have to this day."

 

McIntyre arrives at Valpo after previously serving as the assistant women's soccer coach and head development coach at Kansas Wesleyan University, a role he began in March 2024. He served as a graduate assistant goalkeeper coach at Concordia University Nebraska from August 2022 to March 2024. He was part of the 2022 GPAC Conference Tournament Champions and coached a team that won conference regular-season championships in three consecutive seasons (2022, 2023 and 2024). McIntyre earned his bachelor's in recreation and sport management from Trinity Christian College in May 2022 and went on to achieve his master of business administration from Concordia University Nebraska in August 2024.
 
"I'm thrilled to lead Valparaiso's Premier Club Women's Soccer program," McIntyre said. "Soccer is my passion, and I'm excited to bring this new level of competition to our student body. I look forward to building community, fostering belonging and providing an enriching and memorable experience for all participants. I'm grateful to Laurel (Hosmer) and Chris (Smith) for trusting me to help launch this exciting new program and look forward to being part of a great institution."


 
Hodge has served as a chiropractor, athletic trainer and owner of Back In Motion Sport and Spine in Valparaiso since July 2022. He graduated from Saint Joseph's College in May 2016 with a bachelor's in biology and exercise science before earning a master's in athletic training from the University of Findlay in May 2018 and a doctor of chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic Florida in December 2021.
 
Hodge's prior experience also includes time as a clinical rehabilitation assistant at Palmer College of Chiropractic, serving as an athletic trainer at Findlay High School, the University of Findlay and Tiffin University.
 
Hodge officially joins Valpo Athletics after previously working with the department as an independent contractor. 
 
"Over the past year, I've pitched in to help out with Valparaiso University Sports Medicine when I've been able to," Hodge said. "After a tremendous experience spending the 2025 fall season with the volleyball team, it felt like the right move for me to shift into a long-term role within the department. I look forward to playing a part in keeping Valpo's athletes moving."