University of Richmond Athletics
Spider Club Q&A With Dr. Judy Hopkins
03/21/2001 | General
March 21, 2001
What are your fondest memories as a student-athlete at the University of Richmond?
I have many great memories as a student and as an athlete. I met my husband at Richmond. As a student, I remember spending many hours studying with my classmates. As a student-athlete, I played basketball, field hockey and lacrosse. My best memories were always related to camaraderie and close friendships with my teammates. We were close-knit and went through four great years together under Augusta Chapman's coaching. During our senior year, we created pins that said "Chapman's Chargers" and had a wonderful time not only playing together, but also becoming lifelong friends.
How has your experience with athletics helped you with your professional success?
My involvement in athletics gave me a focus and interest outside academics. Playing team sports taught me how to compete and to never give up, which helped me succeed professionally. You had to be self-motivated and believe in yourself to balance academics and athletics. Athletics also taught me how to win, be humble and to be a gracious loser. As a student-athlete you had to learn how to manage time, which is necessary to being a good physician, a good working mother and a spouse.
How have times changed for women's athletics over the years?
Back when I was playing, most student-athletes played many sports with a very limited budget. Today, women are receiving equal resources as men and there are many more resources allocated with scholarships, coaches and many more areas. Student-athletes today are much more specialized and committed to excel in one sport.
Why did you start supporting women's athletics?
I had such a wonderful experience as a student-athlete at Richmond and realize what a positive impact athletics has had on my life. Originally when I started giving, I wanted to help provide for a female student-athlete who could not otherwise afford to go to the University of Richmond. I initiated a partial scholarship in honor of Augusta Chapman and Kathleen Rohaly. Today, with the tremendous commitment the University has made to women's athletics through scholarships, there is a greater need for alumni and former athletes to assist with the increased annual operating expenses. Therefore, my gifts are directed to the Spider Club annual fund targeting programs that assist female student-athletes.
