Austin and I got to interview a new counselor at Judge, Sam Hoopes and get the backstory on him and how he ended up at Judge. Mr. Hoopes was a basketball star at Duchesne High School and went on to play at Southern Utah University, before finishing college at Utah State. 

Although not mentioned in the story, Hoopes had a somewhat wild journey starting in 2018, when he got diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a disease harming the liver. According to an ABC Utah local news piece by Austin Facer, Mr. Hoopes was in need of a liver transplant and got a transplant from long-time friend, Derek Herrera ultimately leading Hoopes back to full health. 

Mr. Hoopes resilience and determination battling such a sickness gives him a perfect role as a counselor and mentor at Judge. 

Mr. Hoopes experience and knowledge of coaching, and teaching is what ultimately led him to accepting a position at Judge. In the video transcript, Mr. Hoopes points out the stark differences of both the academics and basketball at Judge, compared to the other schools he has been at. 

Going from small-town Utah to Judge Memorial right in the city was certainly a big change, but one that Hoopes was more than ready for. Mr. Hoopes couldn’t stop complimenting the students and the environment of Judge, pointing out the hard work ethic throughout the building. Take a look at the transcript to know just how exciting our new counselor is.