Chatting with Judi Hubert, Mick Hubert’s wife…The Voice Behind “The Voice of the Gators”

GatorMoms: Judi, I have read that you and Mick are natives of St. Anne, Illinois.  Is that where you and Mick met?

Judi: Mick lived in the small town of St. Anne, and I lived in the country.  I met Mick when I went to the high school in the town where he lived.

GM: When did you two start dating, and when did you get married?

Judi: We started dating in high school, dated through college and we got married in 1976.

GM: With Mick’s job, have you had to move around a lot?  If so, where?

Judi: His first job was in Peoria, Ill.  His next job was in Dayton, OH.  We lived there for 10 years before coming to Gainesville.  We moved to Gainesville in 1989.

GM: What did you think of Gator Nation when you first arrived in Gainesville?  Were the fans similar and/or different compared to other fans you had encountered before at some of the other schools Mick had worked, or you had attended?  How so?

Judi: The Gator fans were unbelievable.  I had never seen such dedicated fans.  The fans love the Gators, and are very proud to display their loyalty.  Their dedication to travel to the games to support the Gators is wonderful!

GM: In your opinion, has Gator Nation changed from the Galen Hall/Gary Darnell 1989 season to the Spurrier Era to the Meyer Era?  If so, how?

Judi: When Steve Spurrier was hired there was such a positive feeling.  Steve was known as a winner, so the Gator fans believed that he would make the Gators winners.  With Steve Spurrier, the Gators became Champions.  He seemed to raise the expectations in every area.

GM: Do you prefer to sit in premium seating like the skyboxes or with the brunt of the Gator fans in general seating when you attend the games?  Do you listen to Mick call the game on your headphones when you’re in attendance?  (I know a lot of people that do!)

Judi: I have terrific seats in the South End Zone.  I enjoy being able to cheer for the Gators.  I don’t listen to Mick during home games in the stadium.  Last year they began putting his calls on highlights and plays and playing them on the scoreboards and the TVs.

GM: What are the most enjoyable aspects of a Gator game to you?

Judi: I enjoy tailgating with our friends and the exciting plays.

GM: What Gator sport is your favorite?

Judi: I probably enjoy basketball the most.  I was a grade school and high school cheerleader, so I saw more basketball games.  Our basketball teams were better than our football teams.

GM: What do think about Mick’s status as the official “Voice of the Gators”?

Judi: I am just very happy for him to be the “Voice of the Gators”.  Mick always knew that he wanted to be a play-by-play announcer.  He started preparing for this job in elementary school.  It’s a blessing that he has his dream job.

GM: How did Mick come up with his well-known animated, “Oh, MY,” expression that is synonymous with Gator sports?

GM: What perks of being Mick Hubert’s wife do you like the most?

Judi: The best perk has got to be that I have seen and celebrated the 4 National Championships that the Gators have won.  Also, attending the bowl games and the NCAA basketball games have been wonderful.

GM: Do you hang out with other UF big wig’s and their wives such as Bernie Machen, Jeremy Foley, Urban Meyer and/or Billy Donovan?  If so, what are some of the things you like about these folks?  Are there any quirks about them you can share?

Judi: We have attended many social events with President Machen, Jeremy Foley, Urban Meyer and Billy Donovan.  However, Mick’s busy schedule can limit some of our social activities.

(Judi politely side-stepped dishing the good stuff on these folks.  She’s a classy lady.)

GM: Judi, I know you are currently a kindergarten teacher at a private school in Gainesville.  How long have you been teaching?  Have you always taught kindergarten?

Judi: I have been teaching kindergarten for 19 years.

GM: What do you like best about working with children?

Judi: Kindergarten is such a wonderful age.  They have an excitement for each new day.  They enjoy learning, and it is very special to help them learn to read and write.  It’s amazing to see how much they grow from the beginning of the year until the end.

GM: Do you have any advice for those parents that have a hard time leaving their little ones when the child is experiencing separation anxiety?

Judi: My best advice is really reassurance that your child will be just fine.  Most of the time, the child has started a fun activity and is meeting new friends by the time their mom or dad is in the car.  If the parent is still anxious, it would be fine for them to call the school and check on their child.

GM: What do you feel are some of the most important factors in a child’s early academic success?

Judi: I truly believe that a positive self esteem and an excitement for school and learning are very important.  Parental involvement is also key to a child’s success.

GM: With summer vacation approaching what do you suggest parents do with their children during this time to keep the skills they’ve learned during the school year fresh?

Judi: Reading practice is one of the key components to keep up over the summer.  Most schools have a summer reading list. 

Also, I believe children need to have fun and get a break from the busy schedules that so many kids have today.

GM: What do you enjoy doing during the summer while you’re off from school?  Do you and Mick have any big plans for this summer?

Judi: Mick and I have plans to go to the beach for a couple of weeks.  We also will be visiting our families in Illinois and Marco Island.

GM: In closing, is there anything you would like to tell the Women Gator Fans out there?

Judi: Mick and I have enjoyed every year and every season and we look forward to many more exciting plays and games.  We have met many wonderful coaches and their families.  Also, the Gator fans are the best fans in the world!  It really is Great to be a Florida Gator!