HAMPTON, Va. (March 18, 2025) … Dr. Walter L. Lovett, former Hampton University football coach, director of athletics, and chair of the Health and Physical Education department, passed away on March 18, 2025.

"Dr. Lovett was a transformational leader in Hampton University athletics, leaving an enduring legacy of excellence and dedication. He not only built a highly successful football program but also elevated the entire athletics department, shaping it into a model of success." Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Anthony D. Henderson Sr. said. "His unwavering commitment to student-athletes went beyond the field, ensuring their personal and academic growth. He was deeply respected and cherished by his players, colleagues, and the entire Hampton community. His influence on Hampton University athletics is immeasurable, and I am honored to carry forward the foundation he built."

Dr. Lovett was a successful football coach in the high school and college ranks at Virginia State and Hampton. He was also an ultra-successful administrator serving in multiple roles at Hampton University.

A native of Hampton, he coached football at Carver High School in Newport News where his team won their only VIA Championship in 1961. He coached at his alma mater, Virginia State, from 1970-72, where his teams posted a 23-8-1 record, winning the 1972 CIAA championship.

Dr. Lovett returned home and served as head coach, director of athletics, and interim chair of the Health and Physical Education department at Hampton. Inheriting a team that had won just three games in the previous five seasons, his 1974 team finished with a 3-7 mark. The Pirates posted records of 5-5, 7-4, and 7-4 the next three years. In 1981, he turned his energies to his duties as director of athletics where he served for more than a decade.   

He was named CIAA Coach of the Year in 1970, NAIA Coach of the Year in 1971 and 1972. For his significant contributions, leadership in collegiate football and commitment to his student-athletes, he was inducted into the Virginia State Hall of Fame (1990), the CIAA Hall of Fame (2014), the John B. McLendon Jr. Hall of Fame (2014), VIA Heritage Association Hall of Fame (2017), and the Hampton University Athletics Hall of Fame (2023).

Dr. Lovett graduated from nearby George P. Phenix High School in 1947 and college at Virginia State University in 1951 where he quarterbacked the football team. Lovett earned his master's and Ph. D. degrees from Indiana.

Dr. Lovett was referred to as "Daddy Love" and was a beloved figure to his players. During his term as head football coach at Hampton, the phrase "Ya Gotta Lovett" was coined in tribute to his love for his players and to emphasize the newfound success of the program.

On July 22, 2022, Dr. Lovett was honored at a luncheon in his honor for his contributions not only on the football field but in molding the lives of his players. Illustrating the devotion and respect of his former players, the hotel ballroom was crammed and overflowing although he had not coached for more than 40 years.

Dr. Lovett was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian, and son Walter Jr. (Skitch). He is survived by his daughters, Susan, Gina, Kim, and Sybil.