Burning Bright
SLIPPERY ROCK -- His days of playing competitive soccer may have been over, but Kyle Hopkins' passion for the sport was as strong as ever.
The native of eastern New York was going to play at Springfield College in Massachusetts, but injuries curtailed those plans.
"I had some injuries in high school and didn't want to deal with that aspect of it in college, but wanted to stay involved. Soccer had been part of my life every year since the fifth grade," said Hopkins, who coached in a recreational league and returned to his alma mater, Spackenkill High School, to assist the boys team to a New York state championship in 2007.
Hopkins is now in his 14th year as a physical education teacher at Slippery Rock Area School District's Moraine Elementary. He's been the Rockets' varsity boys soccer coach for the past 12 seasons and recently reached 150 career victories.
The Rockets made it to the District 10 semifinals for the second straight year and Hopkins now owns an overall record of 152-67-12. Slippery Rock has won six region championships on his watch.
"I put the players in a position to win, but they are the ones going out and playing and putting in the time and effort to get better," said Hopkins. "Many of the boys I'm coaching now I've known for years, had them in gym class. I applaud all the kids who were part of the 152 wins."
Hopkins can trace his coaching experience back to Spackenkill. Since the boys season was held in the fall and the girls in the spring, he assisted head coach Rick Hackenberg with the latter while he was still in high school.
Tony Kutch was leading the boys team at that point and by the time Hopkins returned as an assistant coach, he was working under Manny Blanco. Hopkins credits all three with influencing his coaching style and ability.
The Rockets won their most recent region title this fall with an undefeated region record of 9-0-1. They finished with an overall record of 15-4-1.
"We're graduating a lot of talent from this team, but it's not the first time we've lost a lot," said Hopkins, who is assisted by Justin Armstrong. "We have some middle school kids moving up as freshmen and some JV kids will be able to contribute next year on the varsity team."
Hopkins has maintained an inclusive environment, one he believes helps to foster success.
"We're a family and all working together," he said. "Whether you're a varsity or junior varsity player, a starter or someone who sees few minutes, you're a part of the team."
Hopkins and his wife, Emily, have three children — sons Parker (10) and Finn (5) and daughter Addy (8).
"Having three kids and still being able to coach, I give a lot of credit to my wife," he said. "I appreciate everything she does for me and our family."
