Karen Hoppa has been the head coach of Auburn's women's soccer team for the last 10 years, and players say she's had a tremendously positive impact on the program.
"So many things are great about coaching at Auburn, but the best part is the people, and in particular the student athletes," Hoppa said. "Being able to watch them grow during their four to five years at Auburn is the best part of coaching college."
According to Hoppa's biography on auburntigers.com, she is the second-longest tenured and second most winning coach in the Southeastern Conference's Western Division.
She owns a 103-67-14 mark at Auburn and a career record of 167-111-23 in 15 seasons.
Since the start of the 2001 season, two years after her arrival at Auburn, she has guided the program to seven 10-win seasons, six NCAA Tournament berths, five SEC Western Division Titles and an astounding 27-4-4 mark against Western Division Teams.
Hoppa said she played at the University of Central Florida in 1978 and later started her coaching career at UCF which lasted a total of eight years.
She has also worked with every level of the Olympic Development Program including state, regional and national teams.
"Coach Hoppa has confidence in every one of her players," said Lizzie Hamersly, a senior in international business. "She is a challenging coach and expects a lot from us, but only because she wants us to be our best when we step on the field."
Hammersly said Hoppa constantly reminds them of their team's goals they set at the beginning of the each season and pushes the team so they can achieve them.
"Coach Hoppa is an extremely dedicated coach," said Jenni Prescott, a senior in early childhood education. "Although we all know how much time and effort she has put into our program, she never complains."
"Every time we step on the field, coach Hoppa means business," Prescott said. "This has turned the Auburn soccer program into one of the best in the SEC and has made us a top competitor in the NCAA."
Hoppa said there are high expectations for the next fall season.
They are looking to build on this year, but would like to focus on competing for an SEC championship and advancing in the NCAA's to at least the final 16.
"We have established a great level of success here at Auburn, and I most look forward to helping this program to an elite level in the NCAA," Hoppa said.
As Hoppa continues to lead her team to success, players are amazed by her dedication and personal relationships with everyone.
"Coach Hoppa is the glue that keeps our team together," Hamersly said. "The team knows that Hoppa is willing to help them out any way possible. She goes out of her way to accommodate every player, putting them in a position where they can all succeed."
Prescott said Hoppa's players feel they are part of her family.
Their personal relationship with Hoppa allows them to communicate well, leading them to success on the field.
Hamersly and Prescott agreed that coach Hoppa is constantly challenging them to be strong academically. She makes sure everyone has time to be both students and athletes.
"Over the past three years, (Hoppa) has pushed and challenged me to become a better, smarter and faster soccer player," Hamersly said. "Her confidence in us is what truly allows us to succeed."
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