Susan Hopkins-Terrell, Connecticut – 2017

Susan Hopkins-Terrell, Connecticut – 2017

In 1979, during her collegiate years at Southern Connecticut State University, Susan began her coaching career and continues today..

From 1989 to 1995, Susan coached gymnastics at a private gym and was a substitute teacher.  She also managed an Olympic Sporting Goods store in Connecticut before returning to Southern Connecticut State University to get her master’s degree.  Since 1995 Susan has taught and coached at The Norwich Free Academy in Connecticut where she is currently coaching gymnastics and track & field. 

Susan’s awards include: Coach of the Year for Gymnastics in 1995, 1996, 1998, and 2000; Gatorade Coach of the Year; and City of Norwich and Hartford (CT) State House citations for excellence in gymnastics.  She is a member of the Norwich Sports Hall of Fame and the Norwich Free Academy Sports Hall of Fame.

Her most memorable accomplishment was coaching gymnastics teams from 1995-2002 when they won seven straight state championships, three New England championships, and compiled an incredible record of 91-1.

Described as “the glue that keeps this family together”, by the throwers on the track team, Susan found it quite touching when told by her players how much they enjoyed “their time spent at practices.”

“It is fun to win, but to me it is so much more important to develop teams that enjoy the sport while developing caring, athletic young adults who promote sports and fitness.”