- NAME: Betty Arapostathis (Fotopoulos)
- CLASS OF: 1993
- SPORT: Softball
- POSITION: Center Fielder
- COACH: Geri Knortz
- MAJOR/MINOR: Economics/Theater
Why did you choose Hamilton?
My brother had attended Hamilton and he was a good athlete. So Coach Geri reached out to recruit me when she realized I was a strong softball player.
How did being a student-athlete help you in life?/What did being a student-athlete teach you?
It taught me how to be a strong team member. How to work toward a common goal with a group of people and that every member of the team serves a role to the success of the larger group.
What is your most memorable sports moment(s) at Hamilton?
Diving to catch a ball in Center Field. I always hated diving and wasn’t even really sure I knew how to do it. But when the game was on the line, instincts kicked in and I made an amazing diving catch in Center Field.
What is your favorite moment(s) at Hamilton? (non-sports related)
Parties at DU, study sessions in the library, the Commons dining hall. Most memorable was my study abroad at Oxford University & University of New South Wales.
How did Hamilton prepare you for your future?
Hamilton prepared me for the future through its intensive writing program. I really learned to write while at Hamilton and it’s so critical to everyday success. Plus, it broadened my mind and opened my eyes to the fact that we live in a global world. The time I spent studying abroad really taught me the best life lessons, including how to cook and take care of myself.
What do you miss the most?
The community that you feel at Hamilton. It’s a special place, somewhere “where everyone knows your name”.
Where are you now? (career, location, family, etc.)
I am married with two daughters living in La Mesa, CA (suburb of San Diego). I work as a Banking Relationship Advisor for Northern Trust.
What advice would you give to current student-athletes?
Enjoy it. Although I was able to play softball for many years to come after Hamilton, the level of competition is never the same. Enjoy the journey as it will end.