The Dalhousie Tigers - Dalhousie University

Judi Rice is a fine example of an individual who has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to Dalhousie athletics. Judi has been a Tigers’ supporter since 1971 and her involvement spans from her time as an athlete to her current position as the Black and Gold Club president. When asked about why she remains so involved with Dalhousie athletics, Judi says, “I was lucky enough to experience the academic side and participate in sport. Since it was such a good experience for me I always felt I wanted to give back to the school.”

Judi was enrolled in Dalhousie’s physical education program from 1971-75. During that time she was a member of the field hockey team each year and a member of the women’s basketball team for three years (1971-74). The field hockey team held the AUAA championship title all four years that Judi played and the basketball team captured the title during the 1972-73 season. She was greatly respected by her coaches and teammates and was honoured as the basketball MVP in 1973-74 and as the field hockey MVP in 1974-75. Judi also led the basketball team as captain for two seasons (1972-74) and the field hockey team for two seasons (1973-75).

Although earning a degree and playing on two varsity teams kept her busy, Judi also found time to get involved in student life at Dalhousie, and was on the executive of her physical education program’s class society.

Continuing her involvement with the Tigers basketball team after graduation, Judi served as an assistant coach under head coach Dr. Carolyn Savoy in 1978-79. Through the 1980’s Judi became the Tigers women’s basketball statistician and announcer.

After graduation from Dalhousie Judi continued to play field hockey until 1983 at a very competitive level including the Nova Scotia provincial team. In 1995 she was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame as a member of the 1975 Nova Scotia field hockey team that captured the national championship.

Eager to become more involved with other teams at Dalhousie, Judi joined the Black and Gold Club board in 1990. Since then she has spent a tremendous amount of time and effort supporting Dalhousie athletic programs, greatly contributing to its success. She has been instrumental in the creation of programs important to student-athletes such as sponsored tutoring and the graduating athlete’s reception. Over the past twenty years she has been with the Black and Gold Club board, Judi has served as the president for eight years.

In 2003 she was honoured as a recipient of the A. Gordon Archibald Alumnus of the Year.  This prestigious award is presented to alumni who have made significant contributions to Dalhousie University.

When considering everything that she has assisted with over the past thirty years, Judi says that for her the “brightest light” remains her time as the Chair of the Advisory Council on Athletics and their journey to establish the Tigers varsity women’s hockey program allowing for a gender equitable offering of varsity teams. “I have great pride in Dalhousie in the fact that we now have 14 varsity sports, seven men, seven female and that we are always very conscious of that.”

Judi Rice has been a remarkable supporter of Dalhousie athletics and has greatly contributed to the success of the athletics program. She has spent countless hours creating a better experience for Dalhousie’s student-athletes. To honour the incredible effort and all that she gives to the Tigers we are here today to induct Judi Rice into the Dalhousie Sport Hall of Fame.