Photo Credit: Courtesy of NAYS
Darryl Hopkins’ first experience playing youth football at age 7 turned out to be a life changer.
“The best coach that I played for growing up was the first coach I ever had,” recalls Hopkins, the superintendent of athletics for the Statesboro-Bulloch County Parks and Recreation Department in Georgia. “I had the time of my life. I didn’t realize it then, but he affected my life, and he is a big part of why I am successful today.”
Successful, indeed, as he’s been ultra-busy capitalizing on his position, one he’s had for the past 15 years, to positively impact the lives of more than 3,500 youngsters who annually step through the department’s doors to participate in programs such as bowling, wrestling, tennis, and track, along with more traditional team sports like soccer, football, basketball, baseball, and softball.