Hall Of Fame 'Round' Town Roundball

by Marcie Brost

Judy Van Atta Adams,Springboro resident, 1980 graduate of Circle High School, was inducted into the University of Providence Athletics Hall of Fame on October 8, 2023 in Great Falls, MT.

She grew up in Vida. Her favorite quote or life affirmation "treat everyone like you would like to be treated." At 15 her father (Jim Van Atta) unexpectedly passed away. This was Judy's biggest obstacle so for in her life. She explained that you are forced to be resilient in dealing with the loss of a parent. Mother, Leola, and her brothers Clint, Larry, and Duane did just that they all went on to attend college and succeed in most everything they set their minds to.

Brian Rogers recruited this 6'1' 120 LB "POWER FORWARD" to Flathead Valley College in Kalispell, MT. She was recruited to the University of Providence, an NAIA school in Great Falls, MT.

Judy was a starter all four years of college. Judy owns the All-Time Career PPG average ever in University of Providence women's basketball history (19.7PPG)

During her senior season of 1983-84, Van Atta Adams was #16 scorer in the nation (NAIA). She averaged a stunning double/double stat line, 22.2PPG and 10.9RPG. Her 294 rebounds that season are the 4th most rebounds in a single season in University of Providence women's basketball history). She shot 52.0% from the field and 77.0% from the free throw line. Judy became the first women's basketball player in University of Providence history to earn NAIA All-American honors.

Judy married her best friend, favorite teammate Mark Adams 34 years ago, and Today, Judy is a Hall of Fame mother of four highly successful sons, Robby, Jimmy, Patrick, and Luke. Her biggest influence was her older brothers and her husband , Mark. Mark reached out to me about Judy he stated in his email. "The numbers as a player tell her story, but her selfless life as a mother and wife speaks volumes about her as a person. Judy Van Atta Adams is the greatest women's basketball player in the history of the University of Providence, and now this Springboro resident is a HALL OF FAMER!" Judy prefers an orange over an apple. When asked her if their was anything she wanted to thank all her coaches and teammates that helped her become the hall of famer she is today. It was an absolute pleasure visiting with Judy and one thing is for sure she is a humble champion on and off the court.

Statistics provided by ESPN National College Basketball Analyst and husband Mark Adams