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Hopkins Celebrates Inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees
On Friday, October 23, the Hopkins community gathered to celebrate the inaugural class of the Hopkins Athletics Hall of Fame. The reception and ceremony brought alumni, families, faculty, staff, and friends together to honor the legacy of excellence in Hopkins athletics.
The evening began with a reception in Heath Dining Hall where guests were able to connect with the honorees and each other. The celebration continued in the Academic & Performing Arts Theater with a ceremony hosted by Athletic Director Rocco DeMaio '86 and alum Justin Kutcher '98. Kutcher, a national sportscaster for FOX Sports, CBS Sports, and ESPN, spent countless hours interviewing each inductee, their mentors, and families, resulting in the creation of a tribute video for each inductee that premiered during the ceremony. Following each video presentation, the honorees were invited to the stage to receive a special goat statue amid rounds of applause.
The newly created Hall of Fame recognizes distinguished student-athletes, coaches, teams, administrators, and community contributors from Hopkins School and its predecessor institutions, Hopkins Grammar School and Day Prospect Hill School. Those selected to the inaugural class distinguished themselves through athletic achievement, leadership, character, sportsmanship, perseverance, service, and their lasting impact on the School and beyond. Selections were made after nearly 200 nominations were submitted by the Hopkins community.
Watch the full induction ceremony below, as well as more information about the inaugural Hall of Fame Inductees. For more information on the Hopkins Hall of Fame, click here.
The 2026 Inaugural Hopkins Athletics Class
1982–1983 Girls Basketball Team
The 1982–1983 Hopkins Girls Basketball team finished a remarkable season with an 18-1 record and captured the New England Prep School Championship—the only Hopkins basketball team, boys or girls, to accomplish the feat. The Hilltoppers were led by Jim Bucar—coach, teacher, Athletic Director, parent of three Hopkins graduates, and known to many as “Papa”—along with captains Lisa Haury ’83 and Cathy Laydon ’83. The team also won the Kingswood Invitational Tournament that season.
Walter Camp 1876 HGS
A three-year football letterwinner and team captain at Hopkins Grammar School, Walter Camp went on to star at Yale before becoming one of the most influential figures in the history of American football. His work developing many of the rules and structures that shaped the modern game earned him the enduring nickname “The Father of American Football.”
Erin Earley ’17
Erin Earley ’17
One of the most accomplished swimmers in Hopkins history, Erin Earley ’17 earned All-American honors and set nine Hopkins school records and three New England Prep School records. A member of the U.S. National Junior Team, she competed in three events at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials before continuing her career at the University of Virginia.
Nolan Paige ’12
Nolan Paige ’12
Nolan Paige ’12 compiled a 47-1 career singles record and a perfect 29-0 doubles record while helping Hopkins win three consecutive New England Prep School Class B championships. A four-time New Haven Register All-Area Boys Tennis MVP, he later continued his career at Stanford University.
Tom Parr P’01, ’04, ’05, ’11
During a 33-year career at Hopkins, Tom Parr became the winningest football coach in School history with a 206-74 record. His teams won seven league championships and four New England championships while producing four undefeated seasons. Parr also served Hopkins as a teacher, coach, administrator, and longtime Director of Athletics. In 2015, the School named its football field Parr Field in his honor, having previously dedicated the Hopkins weight room in his honor as well.
Kenneth A. Paul, Jr. ’68, P’93, ’95, ’98, GP’25, ’26, ’32
A remarkably versatile athlete, Ken Paul ’68 earned 13 varsity letters in soccer, basketball, and baseball at Hopkins and was selected as a varsity team captain four times. He continued his soccer career at the United States Naval Academy, where he later served as team captain, and went on to serve Hopkins for more than two decades as a member of the Committee of Trustees.
Laura “Jerri” Trulock P’71, ’74
A pioneering coach, educator, and administrator, Jerri Trulock served as Athletic Director at Day Prospect Hill and helped guide girls’ athletics through DPH’s 1972 merger with Hopkins Grammar School. She continued her career at Hopkins as an athletics administrator while coaching field hockey, basketball, and lacrosse. The Jerri Trulock DPH Award for Sportsmanship in Women’s Athletics continues to be presented annually in her honor.
Billy Walik ’66 HGS
A three-sport standout at Hopkins Grammar School, Billy Walik ’66 excelled in football, ice hockey, and baseball before continuing his football career at Villanova University. He later played professionally for the Philadelphia Eagles, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and teams in the World Football League.
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Hopkins is a private middle school and high school for grades 7-12. Located on a campus overlooking New Haven, CT, the School takes pride in its intellectually curious students as well as its dedicated faculty and staff.
Hopkins School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.