By Kaitlyn Kupiec
@kaitlynkupiec
Josiah Perkins, a junior in Springfield College’s Sports Management program, was honored with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Scholarship at the 2024 Spalding Hoophall Classic in recognition of academic excellence and service to the college and the event. Perkins took on the role of head supervisor, where he helped coordinate the schedules, training, activation and logistics of the Hoophall Classic.
The Springfield Student sat down with Perkins to learn more about his life.
Student: Why did you choose Springfield College?
Perkins: The main reason I chose Springfield, especially the Sports Management program, was the emphasis on experience. Hoophall and other experiences that I’ve gained are what really drew me in. A lot of accepted students get to do a tour during Hoophall, which I lead this year. I didn’t get to do that because I applied during COVID, but they still made sure to emphasize how they’ll do whatever they can to give you the experience.
Student: What did it mean to receive the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Scholarship at the 2024 Spalding Hoophall Classic?
Perkins: That was great. It was definitely a huge payout. I’ve been working pretty hard doing Hoophall for the past three years, working for the Springfield Thunderbirds just as long. Obviously, I’ve been doing all this stuff to gain experience and get a job after, but getting that recognition and achievement in front of all those people was a huge honor. It made me feel really good about the progress I’ve been making since coming to school here.
Student: How do you want to be remembered?
Perkins: I want to be an example for Springfield College Sports Management students. I feel like when I came in, I was skeptical at first, but I was like, ‘I’m just going to take whatever opportunities I can find.’ It felt great to get that award and be recognized for taking those opportunities. I want to be an example of why taking an opportunity is so important, whether or not it’s what you want to do. At the end of the day, we’re young, and taking any opportunity you can is good for you. I think another part of that is being someone the younger classmen can look up to or reach out to eventually. I’ve had some alumni who have helped me a lot, so I want to be the same person for others.
Student: What is something you would tell your younger self?
Perkins: That hard work really does pay off. I think it started when I came here and started getting those opportunities, and I started to really push myself. Working hard doesn’t always feel good in the moment, but once you get over that hill, it’s usually a great payout, if not right then.
Student: Who do you admire the most, and why?
Perkins: I admire my dad a lot. In his community and his field, he has really built a name for himself, and a lot of people respect him as he’s done a lot for the community he’s in. Everyone loves my dad, where I came from back in Boston; now I live in North Carolina, but he has the same impact there.
Student: If you had the opportunity to play any sport professionally, what would it be, and why?
Perkins: I would go with baseball because, up until probably my junior year of high school, that’s what I wanted to do. I played a lot of baseball year-round. Getting to junior year was when I realized that I’m not ever going to play professionally because the guys who were playing pro were in the gym every day, waking up at 5 a.m., hitting, pitching and doing whatever they could. I wasn’t really doing that. That’s kind of when I switched towards working in sports and doing sports management.
Student: What is your go-to gas station snack and drink?
Perkins: It depends on the gas station. I would try to stop at a Wawa. They’re great, and they have a lot of great food. I love their pretzels. They’re like really soft pretzels, so if I could get one of those, that would be great. If not, I probably would just get a bag of chips like Lays or barbeque. Whatever barbeque chip is usually what I lean towards. My drink of choice is probably some kind of Pepsi or whatever I’m feeling at the moment.
Photo Courtesy of Josiah Perkins