By: Starting on National Girls & Women in Sports Day on February 7 and throughout the rest of the month, we will recognize some of our past Doris B. Hopper Award winners.
JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – February 7 marks the 32nd anniversary of National Girls & Women in Sports Day. In honor of that achievement, we have contacted past Doris B. Hopper Award winners and asked them to recount some of their past experiences in athletics and how playing sports has changed their lives. These profiles will run every weekday through the end of the month.
Our next profile is Mandy (Stewart) Livesay from the Class of 1999. Livesay was the winner of the 1999 Doris B. Hopper Award and was a three-time All-MWC selection in volleyball during her career at Illinois College. She remains ranked in the Top 10 in school history in career kills (974), aces (174) and digs (1,256), and was a two-time MWC champion with the Lady Blues.
Who was your female sports idol growing up?
For softball it was Lisa Fernandez. For volleyball it was Gabby Reece.
How did you get started in athletics?
I always liked playing and competing from an early age. I would go to my dad's games and my older sister's games. I could start t-ball at age 5, and it took off from there!
How has athletics impacted your life?
Athletics have impacted my life in many ways. They have taught me about teamwork, dedication, work ethic, winning, losing, perseverance, discipline, and life in general. They have also given me purpose, drive, a healthy lifestyle, and lifelong friends.
Have you taken anything from athletics into your career field?
Prior to being a Stay-at-Home Mom, I was in Pharmaceutical sales. Sales can be a lot like a game- competition, winning, losing, perseverance, dedication, teamwork, and discipline. My athletic background and all I learned in sports helped me with all of these things.
What was your most memorable moment as a student-athlete?
In high school it was winning the Illinois State softball Championship my senior year. In college it was winning the Conference Tournament in volleyball and making the All-Tournament team.
Past Profiles
February 16 -
Martha (Vest) Blakeley
February 15 -
Addie (Ahlemeyer) Ince
February 14 -
Abbey (Suter) Wacaser
February 13 -
Adrienne (Dickerson) Range
February 12 -
Lindsay (Stauder) Howard
February 9 -
Candace (Norville) Scheuers
February 8 -
Melissa Norville
February 7 -
Hannah McGinnis
