Empowering Student-Athletes | Champion of Holistic Development | Advocate for Community Engagement
Virginia Hansom is a dynamic leader with a diverse career that spans academic support, student-athlete development, community engagement, media relations, and event planning. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to empowering student-athletes to achieve both academic and athletic success, creating a well-rounded experience for each individual.
Virginia has spearheaded transformative initiatives that have directly impacted student-athletes' academic performance, with one of her proudest achievements being, Hampton University's 2024-2025 Football team achieving it's highest team GPA of a 3.03 and 87.5% of student-athletes achieving academic recognition, as the Director of Academic Support & Student-Athlete Success at Hampton University; reflecting a commitment to excellence both in the classroom and on the field. During her tenure she directly impacted the academic achievement of over 200 student-athletes, ensuring they met key eligibility benchmarks and successfully balanced the demands of their athletic careers and academic pursuits. She has also guided multiple student-athletes to exceed academic expectations, leading them to successful futures both on and off the field.
Her innovative approach to student-athlete development through family and community engagement has led to events like the Hoop It Up 3-on-3 Tournament, which not only boosted athletic engagement but also fostered community partnerships. Virginia’s leadership was key in bringing Richmond, Virginia's Teen Summit RVA to life—a regional high school leadership summit in partnership with city leaders, impacting over 500 youth and empowering them to excel academically and professionally.
Virginia’s efforts extend beyond athletics. She has coordinated programs and multiple high-profile events, including
100% pass rate in the Elijah House Academy's Summer Academy under her leadership, showcasing her ability to create results-driven programs,
Henrico County’s Back-to-School Kickoff including 70+ schools and technical centers, uniting communities and creating lasting impact through meaningful partnerships such as, major and national brand Hoop It Up, (Big Ticket Sports, LLC) where the CEO is former NBA player Kevin Garnett; and,
Chi Alpha Sigma Induction Ceremony, a national honor society that recognized 60+ student-athletes who excel in both academics and athletics, including a minimum GPA 3.4.
Her expertise in organizing and executing such large-scale events highlights her dedication to the holistic development of students and athletes alike.
With a background in sports journalism, Virginia is also an experienced content creator and sports beat reporter. As a published writer for the Washington-Baltimore Afro-American Newspaper, she showcased her storytelling talents and ability to connect with audiences, further establishing her role as a media relations expert.
In every role she takes on, Virginia remains committed to fostering collaborative relationships, both within academic environments and beyond, driving strategic initiatives that elevate individuals, programs, and communities. Her use of digital tools like Canva, Constant Contact, Navigate, Teamworks, and PowerSchool adds to her reputation as a forward-thinking professional, dedicated to shaping the next generation of leaders.
Through it all, Virginia's passion for education, community building, and student-athlete success continues to inspire and drive her work, always leaving a lasting, positive impact on those she serves.