Debbie Bowers-Hoffman was a 1981 graduate of Big Piney High who participated in both basketball and swimming. As a basketball player, she was a member of the 1980 girls' runner-up basketball team and a starter for the team in her senior year. It was, however, her career achievements in swimming and that of her teammates that highlights this Lady Puncher. During Debbie Bowers four years as a Puncher swimmer, Big Piney finished in the top three every year. In the 1977 season, the Lady finners finished as runner-up just three points shy of the championship. As an individual, Deb brought home four gold medals and set state records in both the 200 Free and 500 Free during her career. In addition, she was a member of the 400 Free Relay that garnered two runner-up finishes and a third place in her three years as a member of that relay. The 1980 team placed first or second in seven of the ten events. That prompted the coach of the champion Douglas team to tell her and her teammates, "Douglas won the meet, but your team is champion!" As a result of her successes, Deb earned All-State honors in each of her years and in 1980-81, she was named the Outstanding Swimmer at BPHS. As a student at Big Piney, Deb was active in student government serving as a class officer or student council member in each of her years. She was also named BPHS outstanding student legislator her senior year. Deb went on to graduate from the University of Wyoming with a degree in accounting. As a New Orleans resident, Debra Bowers-Hoffman co-founded an inner city ministry in which she devotes most of her energies helping children in the neighborhoods affected by the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina. It is her hope to positively change those neighborhoods by feeding the community body, soul, and spirit.