During Black History Month, The Hub is spotlighting former students of Dallas ISD in our Legacy of Learning series.
“Attack your academics the same way you attack your sport.” ~Ryan Hopkins
Tell us about your journey as a Dallas ISD student.
I attended Dallas ISD schools my entire childhood. I began at Joseph J. Rhoads at age four and graduated from Lincoln High School at 18.
Who was one of your most influential teachers in Dallas ISD, and why?
Mr. Jerry Perry, my fifth grade math teacher at J.J. Rhoads, was most influential for me because he saw the academic potential in me and not just the athletic. He challenged me academically and really encouraged me to cultivate my mind. Had he not pushed me academically, I probably would have taken a different path.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the 40-0 “Perfect Season” for the Lincoln High School basketball team of which you were a part along with your brother Bryan Hopkins and the famed Chris Bosh. When did your love for basketball begin? Was there a particular teacher or coach who helped foster that?
One of my earliest memories is learning to dribble the ball between my legs at age 6. My older brother was the person who really inspired me to play basketball. My brothers and I would play basketball every day growing up.
What were the positives of being a Dallas ISD athlete?
Being a Dallas ISD athlete taught me to value hard work, how to work under pressure, how to work as a team, and it helped develop my mental fortitude–to name a few. Many of the positive values I learned from my coaches have stuck with me my entire adult life.
That historic “Perfect Season” was an amazing time in that chapter of your life. You all were undefeated, #1 in the nation, #1 in the state, and state champions! What are some of your most memorable takeaways from that time?
There were a lot of great memories during that time. But I would have to say the most memorable takeaway was learning that if you work together as a team and commit to what you are doing, you can achieve some very big things.
What impact did the “Perfect Season” and being state champs have on your life?
I believe that time had a profound impact on my life. Like many of my teammates, I went on to play in college and earned a B.S. in Financial Economics. I later went on to get my MBA in Corporate Finance and Business Management from the University of Dallas.
Let’s fast forward to today, 20 years later. First of all, I love that it is the 20th anniversary of your “Perfect Season” and you all won by 20 points to become state champs! How did that season of your life as a Dallas ISD student and young athlete prepare you for who you are and what you’re doing today?
Being a part of that team and a Dallas ISD athlete prepared me for life in many ways. I have enjoyed a great career in finance, which has allowed me to establish my own consulting firm. That season gave me the confidence to know I could achieve anything I set my mind to as well as the confidence to endure the setbacks that will surely come at some point in life. That time taught me to stay focused on what I want to achieve and block out the external distractions.
What would you like to pass on to the young Dallas ISD athletes today, now that you have become more aware, having lived 20 years beyond that season of your life?
There are two things I would strongly recommend to young athletes today. First, sincerely embrace the values and principles of being an athlete. Whether you are the star athlete or not, give your sincerest efforts. The principles your coaches are teaching you can develop within you the character to achieve anything you want in life, if you embrace them.
Secondly, take academics just as seriously as you do sports. Many of you may go on to play professionally, but every athlete has to hang up their jersey one day. For many, that day will come sooner than others, but we all have to one day. What will you do then without an education? You can have just as great a life off the court as you can on the court. You should approach studying and tests the same way you approach practice and game days.
Visit Hopkins’ website at www.blackbridgeconsulting.com for business consulting inquiries.
