Sarah Hopkins, a 2024 inductee into the Pahrump Valley High School (PVHS) Hall of Fame, has long been a dedicated supporter of local athletics. Reflecting on her induction, Sarah shared, “Never ever did I think I would ever be in the Hall of Fame. But here I am. I prefer to be behind the scenes, but I guess I’ll accept the spotlight this once,” she said with a laugh. Sarah’s work has always been about helping student-athletes thrive, whether through basketball, golf, or other programs. Her quiet yet crucial support for these programs has been key to her recognition.
Throughout her 48-year marriage, Sarah and her husband, Bob, have raised five children—Rob, Jeremey, Jack, Lori, and Darla—all of whom were involved in athletics. Their oldest son, Rob, played on championship teams in South Dakota, and both Lori and Darla were on championship teams at PVHS. Jeremy was a member of the State Academic Championship team in golf as well. Although Jack did not experience the same championship victories, he was active in sports, and Sarah took pride in watching each of them grow through their athletic experiences.
“Having my children involved in sports made it all the more rewarding,” Sarah said. “Rob, Lori, and Darla were all on championship teams, which made those years incredibly special for our family. Jeremey and Jack were just as involved, and even though they didn’t win championships, watching them grow through sports was such a big part of our lives.”
The family’s connection to sports is deep, spanning across generations. One of Sarah’s most cherished memories comes from Darla’s senior year, when her godparents, Carla Allard and Darla Hicks, traveled from South Dakota to support her in the state championship game. The moment was even more meaningful because Darla Hopkins (Sheppard) was just six days old when her namesakes and godmothers won their own state championship as seniors, coached by Bob. “That was probably the most memorable moment,” Sarah recalled. “Having them there to cheer her on made it extra special.” Even after Carla’s passing from cancer, the family has remained close, and Sarah and Bob continue to support Carla’s daughter, Kyah Watson, who now plays college basketball at West Virginia. “We go to games as often as we can,” she said.
Sarah’s involvement in Pahrump athletics extends beyond her own children. She has played a significant role in the junior golf program, which was established by Larry and Elaine Goins, and Sarah helped to manage. “The junior golf program worked to really establish golfers so that the high school had a solid golf program,” Sarah explained. “We’ve seen participation at the high school level drop recently, but we’re working to bring it back.” Currently, she’s working with community members like Dave Wilson and Tori Peers, a former participant, to revive the program for future generations.
Beyond golf, Sarah has also been a critical part of PVHS basketball, helping track game statistics—an important task for athletes seeking college opportunities. “Kids like to know where they’re at, and colleges need to know that,” she said.
One of Sarah’s key contributions over the years has been organizing fundraisers, including managing details for PVHS basketball fundraisers and the junior golf program’s annual quarter auction, which raises money for scholarships and senior gifts for golfers. “That’s why we have the quarter auction,” Sarah said. “It helps raise money for scholarships and provides golf bags for the golfers when they are seniors.”
Sarah’s involvement in athletics now extends to the next generation, as she and her husband continue to support PVHS and now their grandchildren’s athletic journeys. “It’s so rewarding to work with the grandkids and see them involved in sports,” Sarah said. “That’s one of the reasons we’re still so committed.” Both Sarah and Bob remain dedicated to fostering a love of sports in the younger generation, with Sarah’s contributions being as vital to the success of these programs as Bob’s coaching. Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed, and her induction into the PVHS Hall of Fame reflects the lasting impact she’s had on the community.
Looking to the future, Sarah hopes to see even more community involvement in PVHS athletics, as she believes increased support can have a significant impact on student-athletes. “The more people you get in attendance, the better the kids perform,” she noted. One of the things she would like to see happen at PVHS is to remove ticket fees for students, which she believes would help encourage more attendance and school spirit.
For Sarah, her Hall of Fame induction is a reminder that dedication, even from behind the scenes, can leave a lasting legacy. Her advice? “Just keep doing it, and somebody recognizes it eventually. And if they don’t, at least you can feel good about yourself and your own heart, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Through her years of quiet dedication, Sarah has helped shape the future of PVHS athletics. Her work will inspire future generations of athletes, parents, and supporters alike, built on love for her family and a deep commitment to her community.
