A Spider for Life

Jaide Hinds-Clarke came to the University of Richmond in 2016 and never left.

A Westwood, N.J. native, Hinds-Clarke was an A-10 Women's Basketball All-Conference student-athlete. After graduating in 2020 with a bachelor's degree in Sociology and Leadership Studies, she worked as a graduate assistant in Spider Athletics' Student-Athlete Leadership Development program while pursuing a Master of Sport Leadership at VCU, which she completed in May 2021.

Two months later, she began her current role as coordinator of student-athlete leadership development and engagement.

"When I finished my senior year at UR, I knew I wanted to come back because it's such a great place," she says. "I think it's the passion I have for Spider Athletics, combined with seeing the passion that my colleagues bring to work every day, that fueled my desire to stay here."

In this role, Hinds-Clarke researches, plans, and coordinates programming that directly supports student welfare and development during their time on campus and beyond.

"I help our student-athletes learn about effective leadership and connect it to what they want to do in the future," she says. "My hope is that they're able to see how their leadership skills develop from the time they first get here to when they leave."

She works closely with student-athletes daily to provide counsel and guidance on various topics, including navigating personal challenges.

"It's important for students to know that I'm accessible because that's what was provided to me as a student," she says. "I knew who I could turn to when I had questions or just needed to talk. Being able to witness students' personal growth is the greatest thing about my role."

Hinds-Clarke specifically focuses on implementing initiatives pertaining to diversity, equity, inclusion, and LGBTQ support for student-athletes.

She has long advocated for inclusion on campus and in the greater Richmond community through her involvement with the University's Office of Multicultural Affairs and Common Ground (now the Student Center for Equity and Inclusion), the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities, and the City of Richmond's Human Rights Commission.

In recognition of her efforts, Hinds-Clarke received multiple honors from the University in 2019 and 2020, including the James A. Sartain Award and the Dr. Leonard S. Goldberg Award for Good Citizenship. She also received Diversity Richmond's 2019 Black and Bold Leadership Award, and she was nominated for the 2020 NCAA Woman of the Year.

She currently volunteers on the advisory board for Return on Inclusion, a virtual learning platform for coaches and athletic administrators, and she's a member of the A-10 Conference's Racial Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Commission.

"It's important for me to collaborate with other professionals in an effort to create sustainable change in college athletics," she says. "I believe sports has the power to change the world, and through working with these committees, we are doing work that is important to acknowledge the past, present, and future of college athletics."

Hinds-Clarke's commitment to supporting causes she cares about has compelled her to make annual gifts to Spider Athletics, benefiting Women's Basketball and the Competitive Excellence Fund. Any gift, no matter the size, has a lasting impact on student-athletes, she says.

"Even though I'm no longer on the roster, I still care deeply about supporting women's basketball," she says. "I felt the impact of philanthropy as a student-athlete and a scholarship recipient, and I want there to be a continuous level of support for current and future players."

Engaging directly with student-athletes also leaves a lasting mark, Hinds-Clarke adds.

"I remember attending alumni events as a student, and I was able to build connections with people who truly cared about supporting me," she says. "Now as an alumna and a staff member, I'm inspired to continue that tradition and give back in as many ways as I can."

Gifts to Spider Athletics help ensure University of Richmond student-athletes receive exceptional athletic and educational opportunities. Learn more about how to support Spider Athletics.