University of Georgia Athletics
Catching Up With Kim Stephens
November 26, 2003 | Football
Nov. 26, 2003
by Tina Stow
It has been several years since Kim Stephens suited up for a meeting 'Between the Hedges', yet the Athens attorney still remembers his playing days in Sanford Stadium just as clearly as ever.
The Newnan, Ga., product primarily played offensive guard for the Bulldogs under Coach Vince Dooley from 1984-87. The four-year span saw upset wins against Florida in '85 (Florida was then ranked #1 for the first time in their history) and '87, and a win at Auburn in the '86 season. More so than the grueling practices or victories, Stephens says he remembers the sense of family that he shared with his Georgia teammates.
"I best remember the camaraderie of the team," said Stephens. "Although practices were always tough, it tended to bring people from all backgrounds together. We were more like brothers than acquaintances or friends."
Stephens cites the lesson of preparation as one of the most valuable learned during his playing years. He applies Coach Dooley's mantra of "over-preparation" in the courtroom as a criminal defense attorney here in Athens.
"Coach Dooley always taught us to over-prepare," Stephens explained. "I do trial work now, so when you're working with cases that involve peoples' lives and situations that could potentially mean a serious jail sentence, you want to leave no stone unturned," Stephens said.
Stephens has two children, Kasey (13) and Kaitlin (10), who keep him busy traveling the club soccer circuit. "Whenever we are not on the road to soccer games, we always make it to Sanford Stadium," Stephens said.
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