Student Athlete Profile: Isaac Hopper

Standing in goal, Isaac Hopper knows his responsibilities as the other team advances the ball towards the net. The most important thing he can do for his team is help organize the back line as means of protecting the goal. But, he is the last line of defense. So, he must be positioned correctly with his feet set to move in any direction.

His decision to become a goalie was an easy one. He loved soccer, but he wasn't fond of running.

"I realized early on I didn't like to run," he said, laughing. "So I have been a goalie since I was about eight years old."

Isaac Hopper serves as a captain alongside his roommate, Austin Taylor, and senior Patrick Dolan. He was a three-year varsity player in high school, and although he struggled early on with the transition to college soccer, he is having a phenomenal year.

"The difference between a high school shot and a college shot is very different, and the speed of play is faster," Hopper said. "It took me a while, but my teammates picked me up, I made the adjustment, and it's worked well so far."

He has a nearly perfect record, only recording one loss against Rose-Hulman earlier in the season.

"Soccer is an unfortunate game sometimes, the better team doesn't always win," he said. "We have responded well, though."

The Big Blue recently upset the tenth ranked team in the nation, the North Park Vikings. Hopper tallied nine saves in the shutout victory. Prior to the victory, Hopper's favorite soccer memory was being named a team captain alongside his freshman year roommate, as well as his current roommate, Austin Taylor.

"We're best friends, so to be named a captain with him was special," he said. "But you know, after we beat the number ten team in the nation, I think that takes the cake."

Millikin wasn't the only school that pursued Hopper for soccer, but the opportunity to be a Presidential Scholar was too big an honor to pass up.

"It made me feel like Millikin really wanted me," he said. "I also wanted to go to a small school because I wanted to build relationships with my professors and coaches."
Perhaps the most impressive thing about Hopper is not his on-field demeanor, but rather his academic achievements. After coming into college with 37 credits, the junior is on track to graduate a year early with two majors and two minors. He will graduate with a degree in History and Philosophy, along with minors in Environmental Studies and Spanish.

"This is my pseudo-senior year," he said, laughing. "But maybe I can be convinced to stay one more season with the guys."
He has already taken the LSAT exam, and he plans on attending law school upon graduation, potentially at the University of Wisconsin-Madison or at a school near Chicago, where he is from.

In addition to soccer, Hopper also serves as the treasurer of the history club and is a member of the environmental affairs council. But, as is the case with most student-athletes, most of his time is dedicated to soccer and his studies.

Though this could potentially be his last year as a member of the Big Blue family, Isaac Hopper is surely making his presence on the field and in the classroom known.

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Players Mentioned

#10 Patrick Dolan: F/M; 5' 8"; Senior

#1 Isaac Hopper: GK; 6' 3"; Junior

#4 Austin Taylor: D; 5' 8"; Junior

Players Mentioned

#10 Patrick Dolan
: 5' 8"; Senior
: F/M

#1 Isaac Hopper
: 6' 3"; Junior
: GK

#4 Austin Taylor
: 5' 8"; Junior
: D

Players Mentioned

#10 Patrick Dolan

#1 Isaac Hopper

#4 Austin Taylor

Players Mentioned

#10 Patrick Dolan

#1 Isaac Hopper

#4 Austin Taylor