The day is an important reminder of the work that has been done by women to ensure all women have equal opportunities for valuable athletic experiences. In honor of that day, several past Doris B. Hopper Award winners shared some of their experiences as student-athletes and how playing sports has changed their lives.

The Doris B. Hopper Award is given to recognize an outstanding female student-athlete each year at Illinois College, and was created in 1977 in honor of Dean Doris Broel Hopper ’41, who was instrumental in establishing the women’s intercollegiate athletic program at IC.

Hazel Gates Buren ’78

Gates was the first winner of the Doris B. Hopper Award, taking home the award in 1978. She earned letters in volleyball, basketball, tennis and track & field while at Illinois College and was inducted into the IC Sports Hall of Fame in 1990. 

“Athletics taught me teamwork with individuals from various backgrounds; taught me how to accept victory and defeat. It built confidence within me to take on any challenge and go for it. Gave me bragging rights for my sons' time in athletics.”

Laurie Black ’84

Black was the 1983 winner of the Doris B. Hopper Award. Playing volleyball and softball, she started for the volleyball team for three seasons and for the softball team for all four seasons. She was a two-year captain for both teams and a twotime softball team MVP. Black was inducted into the IC Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. 

“For as long as I can remember, I have always played and followed sports. I was encouraged by my parents, teachers and coaches growing up to follow my love of sports even though girls teams were just getting started. I was the first girl to play Little League baseball in Bloomington-Normal and I felt supported by many to reach that level of participation.”

Addie Ahlemeyer Ince ’00

Ince was the winner of the 2001 Doris B. Hopper Award after a senior season in which she was named First Team All-MWC and ranked among the conference leaders in points and assists per game.

“I am not sure where I would be today without athletics. In fact, I believe I got my first job teaching because I also was willing to coach basketball and track. Throughout my life, I have met some great people through my participation in sports and learned some vital life skills: managing time, valuing teamwork, accepting constructive criticism, coping with disappointment and being competitive.”

Candace Norville Scheuers ’10

Norville won the Hopper Award for three straight years, from 2008 to 2010, while starring for three teams. In basketball, Norville was an All-MWC selection for three straight seasons. She reached the semifinals of the MWC Championships at No. 1 singles in tennis, and she did it all on the track team as a runner, hurdler, jumper, thrower and heptathlete.

“As a stay-at-home mom, having learned to have great discipline has certainly come into effect with my family. It takes discipline to raise well-behaved children, keep a clean house and make meals for a growing family. Many people may not have a high respect for this job but stay at home moms do not get sick days. Every day is a new challenge that takes a constant discipline to tackle this calmly.”

Melissa Norville ’13

Norville won the Hopper Award for three straight years, from 2011 to 2013, while a part of the volleyball and track & field teams. In her career at Illinois College, she won nine national titles in track & field, took home 24 Midwest Conference titles and earned All-American status 19 times. 

“Athletics helped me build emotional and mental strength as a competitor and person. I'm now able to relate to my clients about the pressure of being an athlete. I also believe that dealing with criticism or hearing people say I'm not good enough has helped motivate me to focus more and work harder.”